Paterson, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Abutting property owner
- Who pays
- Owner bears full cost
- Notice period
- 30 days to comply
- If ignored
- City does work, liens property
- Permit needed
- Yes, from Streets Div. Superintendent
Summary
Owners of land fronting a Paterson street must pave and keep their abutting sidewalk in repair, and must replace any broken flag or concrete section immediately.
It is hereby made the duty of the respective owners of land fronting or abutting upon the line of the streets of the City, except as provided in § 435-10, hereinafter designated in this article, or portions of said streets, to: A. Pave, maintain and keep in repair the sidewalks in front of or abutting upon their respective lands in the manner provided in this article. B. Replace immediately any flag or concrete walk that may become broken.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 435's construction and maintenance article puts the sidewalk-repair duty directly on the abutting property owner, and makes the full cost of paving and repair the owner's responsibility except for specific subsidized low- or moderate-income housing work (§ 435-10). If an owner ignores a 30-day repair notice from the Department of Public Works with no good reason, the City can do the work itself and assess the cost, with interest, as a lien on the property (§ 435-15, § 435-16).
Violations & Fines
An owner who fails to repair after notice does not face a separate fine; instead the City performs the work and assesses the cost to the owner, plus interest at the delinquent-tax rate, as a lien on the property (§ 435-16).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Paterson?
What happens if I don't fix my sidewalk after the city notifies me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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