Dearborn Heights, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 28, Article II of the Dearborn Heights City Code puts sidewalk upkeep squarely on the abutting property owner. Sec. 28-26 requires that 'all sidewalks, alleys, splashguards and approaches, except crosswalks, in the city shall be constructed and maintained by the owner of lands improved thereby,' and defines 'approaches' as the area between the curb and the sidewalk, so the driveway apron is included along with the walk itself. Sec. 28-28 backs this up by making it unlawful for an owner to let a sidewalk or apron fall into disrepair or become unsafe for pedestrian travel, and it separately bars anyone from dumping rubbish, dirt or paint on a sidewalk.

If the city determines that a sidewalk, alley, splashguard or approach needs construction, reconstruction or replacement, Sec. 28-32 requires the building and engineering department to serve written notice on the owner, giving thirty days to do the work before the city steps in. Notice can be delivered personally, by certified mail to the address on the last assessment roll, or by posting it on the property, and Sec. 28-33 spells out what the notice must contain. Any owner who does the work themselves must first get a concrete permit from the building and engineering department under Sec. 28-27, which also reaches sidewalks and approaches along MDOT or Wayne County roads.

When the city does the work because an owner failed to act, Sec. 28-34 requires the building and engineering department to bill the owner for the entire cost; an unpaid bill becomes a special assessment lien against the property under City Charter section 12.2 within thirty days, and an owner whose neglect causes damage to the city or a third party remains liable for the full amount of that damage.