Lafayette, IN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 8.02.010 of the Lafayette Municipal Code makes it lawful, not merely permitted, for the owner or occupant of a lot bounding a sidewalk to repair, remove or abate a hole or obstruction in that sidewalk, but only at that owner's own expense and with the Street Commissioner's prior consent and supervision. When the Board of Public Works and Safety orders repair of a paved, bouldered or graveled sidewalk, Section 8.02.020 requires the Street Commissioner to give the abutting owner written notice, served by posting at a conspicuous place on the property and, for resident owners, by reading the notice to the owner or leaving a copy at the owner's residence.

If the owner does not complete the repair within the time stated in that notice, which by Section 8.02.030(A) cannot be less than ten days, the Street Commissioner has the work done at the property owner's expense. Section 8.02.030(B) requires the Commissioner to itemize the cost against the specific lot and file that estimate with the City Clerk, and Section 8.02.030(C) turns the filed estimate into a lien on the property with the same priority as a tax lien. If the owner still has not paid within twenty days of the estimate under Section 8.02.030(D), the Board of Public Works and Safety can issue a precept for collection, executed against the property the same way street and alley improvement assessments are collected.