Dearborn, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Abutting property owner
- Compliance window
- 10 days after notice
- City backup
- DPW repairs and bills owner
- Overhead added
- Up to 15% of cost
- Repair permit fee
- $0.30 per linear foot
Summary
Dearborn puts sidewalk and apron upkeep on the abutting property owner, with the city stepping in and billing the owner if repairs are ignored.
All sidewalks and aprons for side drives in the city, except crosswalks, shall be built, maintained and repaired by the owner of lands improved thereby in the manner and within the time prescribed by this division. In case of the failure of such owner to comply with the provisions of this division, the city may build, maintain or repair... and assess the cost against such owner and against the land improved thereto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Owners of land improved by an abutting sidewalk or side-drive apron must build, maintain and repair it themselves. If an owner fails to comply after the director of public works serves notice under § 17-200, the owner gets 10 days to act; after that the city does the work and assesses the cost against the owner and the property, adding up to 15 percent for overhead. Unpaid special assessments over $250 can be paid in installments over five years under Charter Chapter 15.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a 10-day sidewalk repair notice lets the city do the work and place a lien-backed special assessment on the property, plus up to 15 percent overhead; the owner is also liable for damages the city pays out from a neglected sidewalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a broken sidewalk in Dearborn?
What happens if I ignore a city sidewalk repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle sidewalk repair.