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Nashville, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Metropolitan Code § 13.32.030
Applies in
Urban services district only
Who's responsible
Owner and person in possession
Liability
Owner indemnifies Metro government

Summary

In Nashville's urban services district, property owners must keep the sidewalk along their property free of dangerous holes and hazards, per Metropolitan Code Section 13.32.030.

It shall be the duty of both the owner and the person in possession of any property that adjoins a street, alley or sidewalk in the urban services district to keep and maintain that portion thereof which immediately adjoins and lies along the margin of such street, alley or sidewalk free from dangerous holes, declivities, excavations, obstructions and other defects that constitute a hazard to persons lawfully and properly using the street, alley or sidewalk.

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 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metro Code § 13.32.030 makes both the property owner and any person in possession of the property responsible for the sidewalk, alley, or street margin adjoining it: keeping it free of dangerous holes, excavations, obstructions, and similar hazards, and erecting fences or barriers where needed. This duty applies only within the urban services district, the denser core covered by Chapter 13.32's street and sidewalk regulations, not countywide. Owners must also indemnify Metro government against claims from a failure to comply, and the director of public works can order warning lights installed at the owner's expense until the hazard is fixed.

Violations & Fines

Failure to maintain the abutting sidewalk exposes the owner to liability for resulting injuries and property damage, and Metro government may recover its own losses, damages, and court costs directly from the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply countywide in Davidson County?
No. Section 13.32.030 sits in Chapter 13.32, limited to the urban services district. Outside the USD, Metro Code does not impose this same sidewalk-margin duty on adjoining owners.
What exactly must an owner keep clear?
The portion of sidewalk, alley, or street immediately adjoining their property, free of dangerous holes, declivities, excavations, obstructions, and other hazards to pedestrians.

Sources & Official References

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