Frederick, MD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Abutting property owner or occupier
- Repair deadline
- 60 days after written notice
- Max fine
- $100 municipal infraction for noncompliance
- City remedy
- City repairs and bills the owner
- Nonresident owners
- Notice by newspaper for two weeks
Summary
Frederick puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting property owner, not the city. City Code Section 22-24 requires owners and occupiers to keep sidewalks and footways in good repair and free of nuisances, and gives them 60 days to fix a sidewalk after the Director of Permits and Code Management orders repairs in writing.
Sec. 22-24. - Repair by property owners and occupiers. It shall be the duty of all owners and occupiers of land to keep the sidewalks and footways binding thereon in good and proper repair and at all times free of nuisances. Whenever, in the opinion of the director of permits and code management or his designee, any sidewalk requires filling up, cutting down or in any manner bringing to the proper grade, or whenever in the opinion of the director of permits and code management or his designee any sidewalk, or portion thereof, is out of repair and should be repaired or relaid, the director of permits and code management or his designee shall notify the owner by notice in writing to repair or relay the same within sixty (60) days from the date of such notice. Violation of this section is declared to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation shall be the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Management Code: Supplement 13 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
Section 22-24 makes it the duty of all owners and occupiers of land to keep the sidewalks and footways abutting their property in good and proper repair and free of nuisances at all times, not just after a complaint. When the Director of Permits and Code Management, or a designee, decides a sidewalk needs filling, regrading, or repair or relaying, the Director sends the owner written notice with 60 days to complete the work. Missing that deadline is a municipal infraction carrying a fine of up to $100.
If the owner still does not repair or relay the sidewalk after notice, Section 22-25 lets the Director of Permits and Code Management have the work done at the city's expense and then bill the owner; if the owner does not pay within 30 days of the statement, the city can sue in the circuit court or before a trial magistrate to recover the cost. For owners who cannot be found, are unknown, or live outside the city, Section 22-26 substitutes newspaper publication for two successive weeks in place of personal notice, after which the city can proceed with the repair and recover costs from the nonresident or unknown owner by suit, attachment, or distraint.
A companion duty in Section 22-23 requires owners to build a new sidewalk, four to fifteen feet wide as directed, within 20 days of notice whenever a sidewalk grade is first established.
Violations & Fines
Failing to repair or relay a defective sidewalk within 60 days of the Director's written notice is a municipal infraction under Section 22-24, punishable by a fine up to $100. If the owner still doesn't act, Section 22-25 lets the city do the repair and bill the owner, suing in circuit court or before a trial magistrate if the bill goes unpaid after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs in Frederick?
How long do I have to fix a sidewalk after Frederick notifies me?
What if I don't pay the city's sidewalk repair bill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick
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