Kingsport, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 90-162 gives the Board of Mayor and Aldermen the power, whenever it deems the action necessary for the public welfare, to require the owner of any lot or part of a lot fronting upon any public street to construct and keep in repair a good and substantial sidewalk or travel way along the whole street frontage, in a width and materials prescribed by resolution of the board. The duty starts with a resolution. Under § 90-163, the city recorder then gives the owner written notice stating the board's action, specifically setting out the work and the time allowed, and the time fixed cannot be less than 60 days.

If the owner refuses, § 90-164 lets the Board, through the city manager, contract for the construction or repair and pay the cost out of the street fund. From the date work begins, the cost is a lien on the property, equal in dignity to liens for the city property tax, enforceable by attachments at law or in equity or in the manner provided in the Charter, and the city attorney enforces it. Section 90-165 adds that the amount the city paid can be recovered from the owner by suit in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Work itself needs paperwork. Under § 90-160, no person constructs a sidewalk without a permit from the director of public works, and § 90-161 refuses that permit to any contractor who has not given the city a bond in the amount the Board determines. Day-to-day upkeep falls on occupants: § 90-49 requires the occupant of a house or lot with a permanent-material sidewalk to remove snow within six hours after it stops falling, or by 10:00 a.m. the next morning if it fell at night, and to remove or cover ice, sleet and mud. When there is no occupant, the duty falls on the owner. Under § 90-47, each first-floor business sweeps the paved sidewalk in front of the building before opening each morning except Sunday.