Jacksonville Beach, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Sec. 28-44 puts the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of uniform and substantial sidewalks on each owner of abutting property, parcel by parcel, when directed by resolution of the city council. Sec. 28-5(b), the parkway rule, separately says it is the duty of the abutting landowner to care for and protect the sidewalk and parkway adjacent to the owner's lot or lots. It lets the owner plant grass, flowers, or shrubbery in an improved parkway as long as the space for sidewalks is not blocked and driveways are excluded.

Article III then lays out a step-by-step process. Under Sec. 28-45 the city manager surveys the city and reports to the city council every place where sidewalks need to be constructed, reconstructed, or repaired because of an unsafe, unsanitary, or dangerous condition. Once the council approves the survey and report, Sec. 28-46 has the council give written notice to the owner of the abutting property. Sec. 28-47 says the notice directs the owner to commence forthwith and complete the work within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice. It is mailed to the owner's address. If the address cannot be obtained by reasonable diligence, or the notice comes back unclaimed, a copy is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once each week for two (2) consecutive weeks, and the thirty (30) days run from the last publication.

If the owner fails or refuses to do the work in time, Sec. 28-48 has the city council make or cause the work to be done and makes the cost a charge and lien against the property, of the same extent and character as the lien granted to the city for special assessments for the cost of local improvements. Sec. 28-49 places all sidewalk construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair within the corporate limits under the supervision of the city, and Sec. 28-50 lets the council condemn a sidewalk constructed contrary to the article and order it reconstructed or re-formed.

Cutting into an existing sidewalk is a separate permit matter. Sec. 28-59 makes it unlawful to cut away or remove any curb or sidewalk without a city permit, and Sec. 28-60 sends applications to the chief building inspector.