Hammond, IN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Repair trigger
- Common Council resolution
- Emergency track
- Street Commissioner acts on dangerous walks
- If owner fails
- Street Commissioner repairs, city liens lot
- Payment deadline
- 20 days after assessment
- Max fine
- $2,500 under § 10.99
Summary
In the City of Hammond, Indiana, the Common Council can order the owner of a lot to repair, raise, lower or relay the sidewalk or curbing in front of it once a resolution finds the walk out of repair, under Hammond Code of Ordinances § 101.064. If the owner does not comply, or if a sidewalk is dangerous, the Street Commissioner makes the repair under § 101.065 and the city assesses the cost against the property.
(A) Whenever any sidewalk or curbing in front of or adjoining the lot or parts thereof owned by any person shall be out of repair, the Common Council may, by resolution, order the owner to repair, raise, lower or relay the sidewalks or curbing. ... (D) In case any sidewalk shall be so out of repair as to be dangerous for use, the Street Commissioner shall without action of the Council, at once, give a written notice to the person in case he is a resident of the city and in case he is a nonresident of the city or cannot be found, no notice shall be required to immediately repair the sidewalk. In case of failure to do so, the Street Commissioner shall cause the repairs to be made, at once, under the direction of the City Engineer and to his or her satisfaction and acceptance.
Full Breakdown
Hammond puts abutting-property sidewalk repair in the Common Council's hands rather than making it automatic. 064, when a sidewalk or curbing in front of a lot is out of repair, the Common Council passes a resolution ordering the owner to repair, raise, lower or relay it, fixing both the deadline and the materials to be used. The City Clerk then has the resolution served on the owner by the Police Force, describing the sidewalk and the time allowed, and posts the notice on the lot if the owner cannot be found or lives outside the city.
064(D) lets the Street Commissioner act without waiting on a Council resolution, giving written notice to a resident owner (or proceeding without notice if the owner is a nonresident or cannot be found) before ordering the repair made at once. 065 has the Street Commissioner make the repair instead, under the City Engineer's direction, and the city holds a lien against the abutting lot for the cost from the moment the work is finished. C. 36-9-36.
Violations & Fines
Both § 101.064 and § 101.065 carry a penalty line to the Chapter 101 general fine at § 10.99: up to $2,500 for failing to comply with a Council repair order, with every day the sidewalk stays out of repair a separate offense. Beyond the fine, an owner who ignores the order still pays for the city's repair through a lien and special assessment on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for repairing the sidewalk in front of my Hammond property?
What happens if a Hammond sidewalk is dangerous before the Council acts?
What if I don't repair my sidewalk after Hammond orders me to?
How long do I have to pay a Hammond sidewalk repair assessment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hammond
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