Minneapolis, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty
- Owner builds and maintains abutting sidewalk
- Repair trigger
- Broken, rotten, or out of repair
- If owner fails
- Public works director orders the repair
- Cost
- Special assessment against the abutting lot
- Citation
- Minneapolis Code § 427.90
Summary
Minneapolis property owners must build, reconstruct, and keep in good repair the sidewalk along their land; if a walk goes broken or rotten, the public works director orders repairs and assesses the cost to the abutting lot.
It is the duty of all owners of land adjoining any street, lane or alley in the city, to construct, reconstruct and maintain in good repair any sidewalks along the side of the street, lane or alley next to the lands of such owner of land... If the owner of any lot or parcel of land shall suffer any sidewalk along the same to become broken, rotten, or out of repair, it shall be the duty of the director of public works to ensure the repair of the same within a reasonable time... and assess and levy upon each of the lots and parcels of land the cost of making the repairs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Section 427.90 places sidewalk maintenance on the abutting property owner, not the city. Owners must construct, reconstruct, and keep in good repair the sidewalk next to their land, in the material, width, and grade the city council prescribes. When a council resolution orders new construction, owners have two weeks after publication to build it themselves before the city builds it and specially assesses the cost. If an existing sidewalk becomes broken, rotten, or out of repair, the director of public works fixes it, and the city assesses the abutting lot yearly for the repair cost.
Violations & Fines
Failing to build or repair your sidewalk brings no fine directly -- the city does the work itself and levies a special assessment against your lot, collected the same as your annual property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for sidewalk repair in Minneapolis?
What happens if I don't fix a broken sidewalk myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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