Dallas, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Sec. 43-63(a) states that when a sidewalk, driveway, or any appurtenance to a sidewalk or driveway becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, the abutting property owner shall reconstruct or repair the sidewalk, driveway, or appurtenance, and the expense of that work must be borne by the abutting property owner. The trigger is a written notice from the director of transportation and public works or the director of code compliance, sent once either department determines the sidewalk, driveway, or appurtenance is defective, unsafe, or hazardous (Sec. 43-63(b)).

From that notice date, the owner has 15 days to begin the repair and 30 days to finish it; missing either deadline makes the owner guilty of an offense under Sec. 43-63(c). The duty runs with the property regardless of who caused the damage, whether tree roots, weather, age, or a utility cut, and Dallas offers no city-funded cost-share program for the work. The obligation pairs with Sec. 43-33, which makes the abutting owner primarily liable in damages for any loss or damage sustained if the defective sidewalk actually injures someone, while shielding the city from liability by reason of inspection, reinspection, or approval of the work. Sidewalk reconstruction itself must follow the material and construction standards set throughout Chapter 43, Article III, including minimum concrete specifications for new sidewalk panels.