Philadelphia, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Philadelphia Code § 11-505(1) puts sidewalk repair squarely on the abutting property owner, not the City: sidewalks on public streets "shall be graded, curbed, paved and kept in repair at the expense of the owners of the land fronting thereon." If the Department of Streets decides work is needed and the owner doesn't do it, the Department can contract the work itself, then bill the owner. Under § 11-505(5), the surveyor assesses the cost against the abutting property in the registered owner's name, and if a bill isn't paid within 30 days, the City can file a lien against the property for the amount plus a 6% penalty. Curb repair follows the same owner-pays rule under § 11-505(7)(c).