Houston, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Abutting property owner
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 40-84
- If owner fails to act
- City repairs, bills owner, may lien
- Homeowner repair permit fee
- Waived for single-family sidewalk repairs
- Cost penalty for city-done work
- Cost plus 10% attorney's fees
Summary
Houston places the duty to build and repair sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters on the owner of the abutting property once the city engineer orders and notifies the work.
It shall be the duty of every owner of real estate in the city, abutting on any public street in the city, ... to cause the same to be constructed, reconstructed or repaired ... in accordance with the terms of such order... After the expiration of the time indicated in the notice ..., if the abutting owner shall not have built such improvements as ordered, then the city shall have the right to construct the same ... at the expense of the abutting property owner ... and may, by ordinance, fix a lien on the property improved.
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances § 40-84, every owner of real estate abutting a public street must construct, reconstruct or repair sidewalks, curbs, driveways and gutters on the line and grade the city engineer sets, once city council orders the work and notice is served under § 40-83. If the owner misses the deadline, the city can do the work itself, bill the owner for the cost plus 10% attorney's fees, and place a lien on the property. Repair or replacement permits come from the city engineer under § 40-88, though single-family homeowners fixing an existing sidewalk (not the driveway) pay no permit fee if they file a notice of repair and a notice of completion.
Violations & Fines
Unpaid cost of city-performed repair plus 10% attorney's fees, secured by a lien on the property; work done without a required permit is separately unlawful under § 40-88.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Houston fix broken sidewalks for free?
Do I need a permit to fix my own sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle sidewalk repair.