Los Angeles, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Responsible party
- Property (lot) owner
- Repair start deadline
- 30 days after notice (up to 90 days)
- Repair completion deadline
- 60 days after notice (up to 120 days)
- City administrative surcharge
- 40% of repair cost (minimum $100)
- Maximum City repair cost per lot
- $20,000 (CPI-adjusted)
- Residential warranty period
- 20 years after Certificate of Sidewalk Compliance
Summary
Los Angeles property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, driveway approaches, curb returns, and curbs fronting their property in safe condition and ADA compliance. If the City orders a repair and the owner fails to act, the City performs the work and bills the owner: with costs potentially becoming a lien on the property.
(b) Responsibility for Maintenance. The owner of a Lot shall maintain any Sidewalk, Driveway Approach, Curb Return or Curb on or fronting on the Lot in such condition that the Sidewalk, Driveway Approach, Curb Return or Curb will not endanger any Person or property passing thereon or violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(c) Notice of Non-Compliance and Order to Repair. ... the Board shall notify the owner of the Lot fronting or containing the Sidewalk, Driveway Approach, Curb Return or Curb to repair the Sidewalk... Within 30 days of the date of mailing the Notice of Non-Compliance and Order to Repair, or such longer time as the Board may allow, not to exceed 90 days, the owner of the Lot shall commence the specified repair... All repair work performed pursuant to a Notice of Non-Compliance and Order to Repair shall be completed within 60 days of the date of issuance of the Notice, or such longer time as the Board may allow, not to exceed 120 days.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 62.104 places sidewalk maintenance responsibility on lot owners. The Board of Public Works issues a Notice of Non-Compliance and Order to Repair when a sidewalk fails to meet ADA standards or poses a danger. The owner must begin repairs within 30 days (up to 90 days allowed) and complete them within 60 days (up to 120 days allowed). If the owner fails to act, the City can perform the repairs and charge the owner the actual repair cost plus an administrative fee of 40% of repair costs (minimum $100). The maximum City-funded repair cost is $20,000 per lot (CPI-adjusted annually). After the City issues a Certificate of Sidewalk Compliance, residential properties receive a 20-year Sidewalk Repair Warranty; commercial properties receive a 5-year warranty. A Sidewalk Repair Incentive Program offers partial reimbursement for voluntary repairs.
Violations & Fines
The City performs uncompleted repairs at the owner's expense. Costs plus a 40% administrative fee may be recorded as a lien on the property. Collection may also be pursued in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I responsible for fixing the cracked sidewalk in front of my house?
What happens if I ignore a repair order?
Is there any help with the cost of sidewalk repairs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle sidewalk repair.