Knoxville, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Responsible party
- Abutting property owner
- Notice window
- 10 days to repair
- If ignored
- City repairs, then liens property
- Enforced in
- Chancery court
Summary
Knoxville puts the duty to maintain and repair sidewalks and driveways on the abutting property owner, who can face a lien if the city has to make the repairs instead.
It shall be the duty of the abutting property owner, or his agent, of any house or property, to maintain and repair sidewalks or driveways adjoining his property, and if an abutting property owner or his agent fails to repair or maintain the sidewalk or driveway adjoining his property the director shall notify the owner, and if the repairs are not completed within ten (10) days the director shall cause the necessary repairs to be made and the cost of such repairs shall be a lien against the abutting property...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 23-42, the property owner (or agent) abutting a sidewalk or driveway is responsible for maintaining and repairing it. If repairs aren't made, the director of public service notifies the owner, and if the work isn't done within ten days the city performs the repair itself. The cost of that city repair then becomes a lien against the abutting property, enforceable in chancery court or any other court of competent jurisdiction, just like any other debt secured against real estate.
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair within ten days of notice lets the city complete the work and place a lien for the cost against the abutting property, enforceable in chancery court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix a cracked sidewalk in front of my Knoxville house?
What if I ignore the city's repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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