Phoenix, AZ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who maintains
- Abutting lot owner or lessee
- Governing section
- City Code § 31-54
- If owner fails to fix
- City repairs, bills owner, liens property
- Injury liability
- Owner liable under § 31-55
Summary
Phoenix law puts the burden on abutting owners: keep the sidewalk in front of your lot in repair or the City fixes it and bills you.
It shall be the duty of the owner or the lessee of any lot or parcel abutting upon any sidewalk now or hereafter constructed in the City to keep and maintain such sidewalk in repair.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Phoenix City Code § 31-54 makes it the duty of the owner or lessee of any lot abutting a sidewalk to keep it in repair. If it goes unrepaired, § 31-55 makes the owner liable for injuries caused by the defect, and § 31-56 lets the Street Transportation Director order repairs; if the owner doesn't act, the City repairs the sidewalk and taxes the cost to the abutting owner as a lien on the property under § 31-57.
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair after notice: City repairs and bills the owner, with unpaid cost certified to Maricopa County as a lien collected with property taxes; owner also faces civil liability for injuries from the defect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Phoenix?
What happens if I don't repair my sidewalk after the City notifies me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle sidewalk repair.