Nassau County, NY Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- DPW permit
- Required before owner repairs
- Notice period
- 30 days new, 48 hrs repairs
- Non-compliance
- County repairs, assesses cost
- Where it applies
- Outside villages/cities only
- Exemption
- Townwide sidewalk districts excluded
Summary
Nassau County can force repair of a sidewalk or curb along a state highway or county road that runs outside any incorporated village or city, then bill the property owner for the full cost if the owner ignores the county's notice.
Owners or occupants of land adjoining state highways and county roads referred to in this title or county roads constructed pursuant to article six of the highway law, and outside of incorporated villages or cities, may construct, relay or repair sidewalks or curbs at their own expense upon obtaining a permit therefore from the Department of Public Works. All construction of and grading done in connection with sidewalks or curbs laid or repaired by the owners of adjoining land shall be in accordance with the specifications of and under the direction of the Department of Public Works. If a sidewalk or curb is not constructed, relaid or repaired by the owners or occupants of adjoining lands, the Board of Supervisors may direct that such sidewalk or curb be constructed, relaid or repaired by the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the adjoining lands and that the Commissioner of Public Works cause a notice to be served upon such owners or occupants, which notice shall specify the place and manner, and the time, not less than thirty days, in case of a new sidewalk or curb, or not less than forty-eight hours in case of repairs, within which the sidewalk or 376 January 1, 2026
XII Department of Public Works
Full Breakdown
Nassau County Administrative Code § 12-4.1 puts the first duty on the property owner: along state highways and county roads outside any incorporated village or city, the abutting owner or occupant may build, relay or repair the sidewalk or curb at their own expense under a Department of Public Works permit. If they do not act after notice, the Board of Supervisors can order DPW to do the work and assess the full cost against the property, collected like county taxes. The rule skips towns that already run a townwide sidewalk district, and does not reach sidewalks inside a village or city, which stay under local control.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a DPW repair notice lets the county do the work itself and assess the full cost against the property, collected the same way as county property taxes -- effectively a lien on the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix sidewalks along Nassau County roads?
What if I don't repair a damaged county-road sidewalk?
Does this cover sidewalks inside a village or city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nassau County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the New York sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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