Nelson Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair Rules (2026)

Sidewalk repair responsibility in unincorporated Pima County follows a different model than many cities. Pima County Department of Transportation maintains sidewalks within county rights-of-way through its road maintenance program. Property owners are generally not required to repair adjacent public sidewalks unless a development agreement or improvement district specifically assigns that responsibility. Many older unincorporated areas in Pima County have no sidewalks at all, as rural development patterns did not include pedestrian infrastructure. Newer planned developments typically include sidewalks maintained by the HOA or a special taxing district. Pima County can assess repair costs to property owners through improvement districts (ARS 48-571 et seq.) but this requires a formal process. Trip hazards and damaged sidewalks on county rights-of-way should be reported to PCDOT for evaluation and repair scheduling. Tree root damage is a common sidewalk issue in Pima County, particularly from mesquite, palo verde, and other desert species with aggressive root systems. Liability for injuries on defective public sidewalks falls to the entity responsible for maintenance, subject to Arizona governmental immunity provisions under ARS 12-820 et seq.