North Hempstead, NY Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Town Code § 48-10(B) puts a standing duty on whoever is "in charge of any property" to keep the sidewalk fronting that property in good and safe repair and free of filth, dirt and weeds. That duty exists independently of any specific repair order. Separately, § 48-1 lets the Town Board require construction or repair of sidewalks and curbs along Town streets, roads, highways and parkways "at the expense of the abutting owners," acting under Town Law § 130(4) and § 200-a. Before that happens, § 48-5 requires the Town Clerk to publish notice at least twice, with the first publication at least 15 days before the work deadline, and to mail notice by certified or registered mail to the owner or occupant.

If the owner does not do the work after being served notice under § 48-6, the Superintendent of Highways is authorized to perform or contract for the repair using Town funds. The Town then recovers its cost under § 48-9 by assessing the benefited lot for its proportionate share, collected the same way as other ad valorem town charges, effectively a lien-style cost recovery rather than a direct fine. Anyone doing the work themselves must first get a permit from the Town Superintendent of Highways under § 48-4, with plans conforming to lines and grades set by the Town Engineer.

This scheme applies only in the unincorporated area of the Town; each of the roughly thirty incorporated villages inside North Hempstead's borders sets its own sidewalk-repair rule under its own village code.