Madison, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

09(1), the City has adopted by reference Wis. 0907, the state statute governing sidewalk construction and repair, so the abutting-property framework that statute sets up controls sidewalk work citywide. 09(3) then gives owners an affirmative option: property owners may repair or reconstruct, or cause to be repaired or reconstructed, defective public sidewalks, curbs and/or gutters abutting their property, but the work needs City Engineering Division sign-off before construction starts and must meet the City's standard concrete specifications. 20(1)(a), a $5,000 surety bond and biennial renewal are conditions of that license.

09(4) sets a rebate of roughly one-third of the City's average sidewalk and curb-and-gutter installation price, though the rebate is withheld in any year the property is already scheduled for repair under the City's own sidewalk rehabilitation program. 03 assigns responsibility for construction-caused damage to whoever pulled the building permit: within 120 days of a demolition permit or certificate of occupancy, the City inspects the abutting sidewalk, curb, gutter and driveway approach for damage, notifies the permittee and property owner, and, if the permittee does not repair it to the City Engineering Division's satisfaction, repairs it itself and bills the cost back as a special charge against the property. 06's five-foot width standard and a $25 permit from the City Engineer before work begins.