Detroit, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Repair deadline
- 30 days after DPW notice
- Responsible party
- owner, occupant, or party in interest
- If not done
- DPW repairs, bills the owner
- Unpaid cost
- becomes a lien on property
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Public Works
Summary
Detroit property owners must repair a broken sidewalk or driveway apron within 30 days of a Department of Public Works notice; if they don't, the City does the work and bills them for it.
When any sidewalk or driveway becomes out of repair within the City, the Department of Public Works shall give the owner, occupant or party in interest of the premises in front of or adjacent to which such sidewalk or driveway is located, notice to repair the same within 30 days. Further, if an abandoned driveway exists on public property in front of or adjacent to any commercial property, such driveway approach shall be removed and curbing replaced.
(Code 1964, § 58-3-24; Code 1984, § 18-12-108)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under Detroit City Code § 44-3-141, when a sidewalk or driveway abutting a property falls out of repair, the Department of Public Works must notify the owner, occupant, or party in interest and give them 30 days to fix it. Service can be by mail, in person, or posted on the premises. If the deadline passes, § 44-3-144 lets DPW repair or reconstruct the sidewalk itself and charge the owner for the cost. Unpaid costs go to the Board of Assessors and become a special assessment, which § 44-3-149 makes a lien on the property until paid.
Violations & Fines
Missing the 30-day repair notice doesn't save money: DPW repairs the sidewalk anyway and charges the full cost to the owner, occupant, or party in interest, with unpaid bills turning into a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Detroit?
What happens if I ignore the sidewalk repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle sidewalk repair.