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

Chapter 12.24 of the Paramount Municipal Code puts sidewalk and curb upkeep on the abutting property. Section 12.24.010 says that when a sidewalk or curb on any road, boulevard, street, avenue, lane or alley is out of repair, needs reconstruction, or is in a condition to endanger persons passing or interfere with public convenience, it is the duty of the owner of, or other person in charge or in control of, the abutting property to repair or reconstruct it. A tenant or manager in control of the property is covered along with the owner.

Section 12.24.020 turns the duty into a prohibition: it is unlawful for any owner or person in charge or control of abutting property to fail to repair or reconstruct a sidewalk or curb that is out of repair, in need of reconstruction or in a condition to endanger persons passing.

Section 12.24.030 sets the notice process. When the County Road Commissioner has actual knowledge of a defective sidewalk or curb, the Commissioner causes notice to be given to the abutting owner or person in control. If that person fails to repair or reconstruct within five days after the notice is given, the Commissioner has the work done out of available City funds and the expense is charged against the owner or other person, to be recovered by action in the name of the City. The notice is served the way a civil summons is served if the person can be found in the City. If not, it is delivered to the person in possession of an occupied property or posted on an unoccupied one. The notice must specify the manner of repair and the materials to be used, and it must state that the City will do the work at the owner's expense after five days and that the owner will be prosecuted for the failure.

Any repair work in the public sidewalk also triggers the highway permit requirement of Section 12.08.010(B), which covers anyone who constructs or repairs any curb, sidewalk, gutter or driveway in a highway.