Pasco, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

PMC 12.04.140, Maintenance of sidewalks, puts the 'duty, burden, and expense' of sidewalk upkeep on 'the owner of the private property directly abutting on the sidewalk.' Where the City has 'persuasive evidence that the actions of the property owner or its agents have resulted in damage to an abutting sidewalk,' it 'may order the repair or replacement of such sidewalk,' and the work must be done 'by the owner in the manner provided by the ordinances of the City and the laws of the state.' Ignoring that order after notice is 'unlawful' and a civil code infraction with a maximum $250.00 penalty.

This repair duty sits on top of a broader construction obligation: PMC 12.04.030 states that 'all abutting property owners are responsible for constructing sidewalks, handicapped ramps, crosswalks, curbs, gutters or driveways along the entire frontage of the abutting property in conformity with this chapter, and the City's current standard specifications.' Before any of that work happens in the right-of-way, PMC 12.04.040 requires the applicant to get a right-of-way permit from the City first. If an owner never builds or repairs a required sidewalk despite notice, Chapter 12.08 PMC lets the City Council order the work done, then assess and lien the cost against the abutting parcel: PMC 12.08.060 has the City's street superintendent construct the sidewalk and report an assessment roll to the Council, and PMC 12.08.080 turns unpaid assessments into a lien on the property, collectible with interest.