Novato, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 15-2.46 of the Novato Municipal Code puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting owner. The rule covers every sidewalk improvement in the area between the property line and the roadway curbline (face of curb) of any public street: sidewalk, driveway, curbing, bulkhead, retaining wall, paving, masonry work, irrigation or drainage facilities, and any tree, hedge, shrub or planting. It applies even when someone other than the responsible owner made the improvement.

The owner of the parcel that abuts that area is responsible for all maintenance and repairs, including damage caused by tree roots, needed to keep the improvements in a safe condition. The code also states a duty to members of the public to keep the improvements in a reasonably safe condition, and makes the owner liable for negligence to any person suffering damage due, in whole or in part, to the owner's failure to perform it.

Installing any of these improvements takes permission from the city engineer on an application for a permit under the encroachment chapter and chapter 17 as applicable. Related sections add detail. Section 15-2.45(b) requires the permittee or adjacent owner to keep trees, hedges, shrubs, walls and fences erected for landscaping in a neat and orderly condition. Section 15-2.47 bars irrigation parts above the surrounding ground or pavement and bars spraying water onto the adjacent street, sidewalk or driveway. Under section 15-2.42, cuts in exposed concrete sidewalk, curb, gutter or driveway follow a saw cut to a depth of not less than one-sixth of the concrete thickness, to a maximum of one and one-half inches. Section 15-2.33 requires an abandoned driveway to be replaced with standard curb, gutter and sidewalk within 30 days, or the City of Novato can do it at the permittee's sole expense. An applicant can appeal a city engineer action to the city council within five days (15-2.55).