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Jefferson Parish, LA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Who pays
Abutting property owner builds and repairs sidewalk
Order notice
60 days' written notice before parish can act
Extension available
Up to 180 days, renewable once
Violation
Misdemeanor under section 29-144
Parish remedy
Special assessment lien, 5 annual installments option
Mandatory triggers
Residential/commercial districts, arterials, near schools/parks

Summary

Owners of property abutting a Jefferson Parish street must build, pave, and keep the adjoining sidewalk in repair at their own expense, including fixing uneven or broken sections and providing drainage so water does not pool on the walk. If an owner ignores a repair order, the department of public works can do the work itself and place a lien on the property.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be the duty of all owners of property abutting streets to maintain the roadside adjacent to or upon their property. Such duty shall include but not be limited to the following:(1)Pave, construct, install or otherwise provide sidewalks along the street side/sides of their property in accordance with the specifications and standards provided in this chapter;(2)Maintain, pave, reconstruct, repair and keep in repair the roadside adjacent to or upon their property in accordance with the specifications and standards provided in this chapter; such duty shall include the removal of all uneven and broken sections, replacing, relaying, patching, filling to grade with approved materials, grading or making level the surface to make it uniform, and to perform any other necessary work required to bring the sidewalk to a condition satisfactory for public use...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Section 29-143 makes every abutting property owner responsible for constructing sidewalks along their street frontage and for maintaining, repairing, and keeping them level, including removing broken sections, patching to grade, and controlling weeds and standing water, all to the specifications set out in chapter 29. Section 29-146 requires sidewalks on any street that is already more than 50 percent built out with sidewalks on both sides, on any lot in a residential, commercial, or industrial district, on arterials and collectors identified on the parish thoroughfare plan, on transit routes, and on any property within 1,000 feet of a park, school, playground, or church; in Council District 5, a sidewalk is also required with new construction or with any renovation costing 50 percent or more of the building's assessed value.

When the director of public works finds a sidewalk worn, deteriorated, or missing where one is needed, section 29-145 lets the director order the owner to build or repair it, and section 29-151 requires 60 days' written notice by certified mail before the parish can step in, with the owner given 30 days to file a written objection or request an extension of up to 180 days, renewable once. If the owner still does not comply, the parish can perform the work itself and recover the cost, plus administrative costs and legal interest under Civil Code article 2924, as a lien on the property that primes every other claim except taxes, payable in five equal annual installments if the owner requests.

Violations & Fines

Failing to build or repair a required sidewalk, or refusing to comply with a parish order to do so, is a misdemeanor under section 29-144. Beyond criminal liability, the parish can complete the work itself after proper notice and place a special assessment lien against the property for the cost, administrative expenses, and legal interest, a lien that outranks every other claim on the property except unpaid taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for fixing a cracked sidewalk in front of my house in Jefferson Parish?
You are. Section 29-143 puts the duty to pave, repair, and keep sidewalks in good condition on the owner of the abutting property, not the parish, including clearing weeds and fixing drainage so water does not pool on the walk. The parish only steps in after issuing a formal repair order.
What happens if I don't fix my sidewalk after the parish tells me to?
After 60 days' written notice, if you still have not built or repaired the sidewalk and have not filed a written objection, the department of public works can do the work itself and bill you for the cost plus interest. That cost becomes a lien on your property that outranks most other claims except unpaid taxes.
Can I get more time to fix my sidewalk?
Yes. You can file a written, notarized objection or request for an extension with the director of public works, who can grant up to 180 days for genuine hardship, renewable once for another 180 days. After that, any further relief has to come from the parish council directly.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jefferson Parish

All Jefferson Parish rules

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