Durham maintains public sidewalks within city limits through the Street Maintenance Division under N.C.G.S. 160A-296. Private street sidewalks are the property owner's responsibility.
Durham sidewalk repair responsibility is governed by N.C.G.S. 160A-296, which grants municipalities authority over streets and sidewalks within city limits. The Durham Street Maintenance Division is responsible for repairs to existing sidewalks, curb and gutter, and curb ramps when located within city limits and on public streets. The concrete crews address sidewalk trip hazards when reported by residents and prioritize repairs based on severity and pedestrian safety. Sidewalks on privately maintained streets are the responsibility of the property owner or homeowners association, not the city. For new development, the Durham Unified Development Ordinance requires developers to install sidewalks as part of project approval, and these sidewalks become city-maintained upon acceptance of the public right-of-way. Durham has conducted ongoing sidewalk repair programs, including dedicated capital improvement projects for priority areas. Property owners who wish to request sidewalk repairs should contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 or the Street Maintenance Division directly. The Public Works Engineering Division at (919) 560-4326 handles questions about right-of-way boundaries and new sidewalk installation.
Sidewalk trip hazards on public streets are the city's responsibility to repair. Property owners are not typically cited for sidewalk deterioration on public rights-of-way. However, property owners who damage sidewalks through construction, tree root growth from private trees, or vehicle crossings may be required to pay for repairs.
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Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
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