Under Dallas Code Chapter 43, Article III, abutting property owners are responsible for repairing defective sidewalks and driveways. Section 43-63 requires owners to replace sidewalks that become defective, unsafe, or hazardous. Property owners are also liable for injuries caused by defective sidewalks under Section 43-33.
Dallas Code of Ordinances Chapter 43, Article III governs construction and repair of sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches. Section 43-63 places the duty on abutting property owners to repair defective sidewalks or driveways when they become unsafe or hazardous. Section 43-33 establishes liability of abutting property owners for injuries caused by defective sidewalks. The city may order repairs and, if the owner fails to comply, the city may perform the work and assess the cost against the property. Dallas does not offer a 50/50 cost-sharing program like some other cities; the full repair cost falls on the property owner. Sidewalk specifications must meet city engineering standards including minimum 4-inch thickness for residential walks. The city prioritizes ADA-accessible routes and may initiate repairs on major pedestrian corridors.
Failure to repair defective sidewalks after city notice may result in the city performing repairs and placing a lien on the property for the cost. Property owners may also face civil liability for injuries caused by defective sidewalks under Section 43-33. Code Compliance can issue citations for non-compliant sidewalks.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC Β§ 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle sidewalk repair.
See how Dallas's sidewalk repair rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.