Naperville, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Owner of the abutting lot
- Applies to
- Improved, vacant, or occupied lots
- Must clear
- Obstructions, weeds, trash, blocking trees
- If ignored
- City orders repair, bills owner
Summary
In Naperville, Illinois, in DuPage County, the owner of any lot abutting a public sidewalk must keep it clean, open, and in good repair, whether occupied, vacant, or unimproved, per City Code § 9-1H-2.
Any person owning any lot or parcel of land, whether such lot or parcel of land is improved, unimproved, occupied or vacant, abutting on any dedicated right-of-way is hereby required to: ...keep clean and open for public passage any sidewalk or sidewalks abutting on or adjacent to such lot or parcel of land, and to keep such sidewalk or sidewalks in good repair and good condition in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 101).
Full Breakdown
Naperville's sidewalk-maintenance article puts repair on the abutting property owner, not the City. Every lot or parcel owner along a dedicated right-of-way in this DuPage County city, improved, vacant, occupied, or not, must keep the adjoining sidewalk clean, open for pedestrian passage, and in good repair, and must clear the public way of obstructions, excavations, tall grass, weeds, trash, debris, and interfering trees or bushes. If sidewalks go substandard, the City Council can order City-initiated construction or repair, with owners billed a share of the cost under the Article's finance schedule.
Violations & Fines
Unmaintained or hazardous sidewalks can be declared substandard; the City Council orders repair, bills the owner, and unpaid costs become a lien recorded against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for sidewalk repair in Naperville?
What happens if I don't maintain my sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Naperville
Compare Naperville to another location·View the Illinois sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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