Harrisburg, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 9-107 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances, Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance, puts the sidewalk on the abutting owner, not the City. Section 9-107.1 requires owners of property abutting any public highway to construct, pave, curb, repave and recurb the sidewalks in front of and along the property and keep them in good repair, using cement, concrete, brick, stone blocks or other permanent paving material satisfactory to the City Engineer or a designated agent.

The enforcement path is notice, then City work, then lien. If the owner does not construct or repair within 30 days after notice from the City Engineer, the City Engineer or a designated agent can do the work and file a statement of costs with the City Solicitor, who collects it. The claim is a lien on the premises from the date the City Engineer certifies the work complete, and the City seeks the full amount including costs plus attorneys' fees. The unpaid balance accrues interest at 12% per annum, prorated for any period under one year. The City can also execute against the property, its contents and other assets to secure payment.

Section 9-107.2 covers dangerous conditions. When the City Engineer or a designated agent judges that a dangerous condition in the sidewalk or curb must be repaired, the owners get 30 days' notice, unless otherwise specified, and the same cost, lien and collection provisions apply if they fail to act. Notice under the chapter is served under § 9-107.5 by personal delivery, by leaving it at the usual place of abode or principal place of business, or by certified or registered mail, with posting on the structure as the fallback when the return receipt shows non-delivery.

Owners of property abutting an intersection, cartway or alley in the central business district must also provide curb cut modifications for the mobility of handicapped individuals (§ 9-107.4). Snow and ice is a separate duty: § 3-357.3 requires owners, tenants and occupiers to clear the sidewalk and a path from the primary point of egress not less than two feet six inches wide within 24 hours after the snow or ice stops falling or forming. Under § 8-511.5(B), the owner of a rental unit stays responsible for exterior maintenance including snow removal, even when the tenant agrees in writing to take on tasks.