Coral Gables, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Abutting property owner
- Notice period
- 30 days to remedy
- Nonpayment result
- Lien on the property
- Exception
- City tree damage, if reported
Summary
Owners of property abutting a broken or cracked sidewalk in Coral Gables must repair it themselves: the city code declares defective sidewalks a nuisance and puts the fix-it duty on the adjacent owner.
Sidewalks in the city that are broken, cracked or otherwise in such condition as not to present a smooth, continuous surface, are a nuisance. It shall be the duty of the owner of property abutting defective sidewalks to remedy such defective condition, unless it has been determined by the city that such defect is a result of damage from a city installed and maintained tree and the abutting property owner has notified the city of said defect(s).(b)If it is necessary for the city to remove or trim a tree located on private property while constructing or repairing a sidewalk. If the city damages a tree located on public property while constructing or repairing a sidewalk, the city will remove or trim the tree at the city's expense. (Code 1958, § 28-12; Code 1991, § 22-46; Code 2006, § 54-80; Ord. No. 791, § 1, 7-21-1953; Ord. No. 2007-25, § 2, 8-28-2007; Ord. No. 2026-19, § 2, 6-2-2026)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City code Sec. 58-48 makes any sidewalk that's broken, cracked, or otherwise lacking a smooth, continuous surface a nuisance, and puts the repair duty on the owner of the abutting property, unless the city confirms the damage came from a city-planted tree and the owner reported it. Under Sec. 58-49, an owner who doesn't fix a defective sidewalk within 30 days of a notice lets the city do the work and bill the property, with the cost becoming a lien enforceable like a special-assessment lien.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a 30-day repair notice: the city performs the repair itself and files a lien against the property for the full cost, collectible like a special-assessment lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays to fix a cracked sidewalk in Coral Gables?
What happens if I don't repair my sidewalk after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
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