San Bernardino County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- S&H Code 5610
- Responsibility
- Adjacent property owner
- Cost Recovery
- Lien if unpaid
- Public Works
- (909) 387-8044
Summary
Under CA Streets and Highways Code 5610, adjacent property owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks fronting their property.
5610. The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place when that street or place is improved or if and when the area between the property line of the adjacent property and the street line is maintained as a park or parking strip, shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property and maintain it in a condition which will not interfere with the public convenience in the use of those works or areas save and except as to those conditions created or maintained in, upon, along, or in connection with such sidewalk by any person other than the owner, under and by virtue of any permit or right granted to him by law or by the city authorities in charge thereof, and such persons shall be under a like duty in relation thereto.
Full Breakdown
California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610 establishes that the property owner adjacent to a sidewalk is responsible for its repair and maintenance in unincorporated San Bernardino County. This includes keeping the sidewalk free of trip hazards, fixing cracks, grinding uplifted slabs, and replacing broken panels. Under the Improvement Act of 1911, if an owner fails to repair after notice, the county may perform the work and assess the cost against the property, which may become a lien. Many unincorporated desert and rural areas lack sidewalks entirely: the rule applies only where sidewalks exist. Tree-root damage is typically the owner responsibility unless the tree is in a county-maintained right-of-way. Contact San Bernardino County Public Works at (909) 387-8044 for sidewalk permit requirements and to report damaged sidewalks. All sidewalk repair work requires an encroachment permit.
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair sidewalk after notice: county performs work, owner billed plus administrative fee and possible property lien. Unpermitted sidewalk work: stop-work order plus doubled permit fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays to fix a cracked sidewalk in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Do I need a permit to repair a sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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