Des Moines, IA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Abutting property owner, not the city
- Repair window
- 180 days from notice, extendable to 360
- Defect threshold
- 3/4-inch separation, hole, or gap
- Penalty
- Municipal infraction, civil penalty under § 1-15
- Citation
- Des Moines Municipal Code § 102-42
Summary
Property owners abutting a public sidewalk in Des Moines must keep it safe, well-repaired, and free of defects, or face civil penalties after a 180-day notice to fix it.
The owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk shall maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition, in a state of good repair, and free from defects. The abutting property owner may be liable for damages caused by failure to maintain the sidewalk. ... Failure of the abutting property owner to complete the maintenance within 180 days from the date of the notice or within such extended time as approved by the city inspector may be punishable as a municipal infraction by a civil penalty pursuant to section 1-15 of this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Des Moines Municipal Code § 102-42 puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting property owner, not the city. The owner must keep the sidewalk safe, in good repair, and free of defects such as vertical or horizontal separations of three-fourths inch or more, holes, spalling, or cracked panels, and can be held liable for damages from a failure to maintain it. If a city inspector's voluntary check finds a defect, the owner gets certified-mail notice and 180 days to cure it, extendable to 360 days on written request. Missing the deadline is a municipal infraction punishable under section 1-15 of the code.
Violations & Fines
Failing to fix a cited sidewalk defect within 180 days (or an approved 360-day extension) is a municipal infraction carrying a civil penalty under Code § 1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix a broken sidewalk in Des Moines?
How long do I have to repair a sidewalk defect after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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