Pittsburgh, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who maintains
- Abutting property owner, not City
- Permit required
- Yes, under § 413.02
- Notice period
- 30 days to comply
- Tree damage compensation
- $8.00 per square foot
- Governing section
- Pittsburgh Code § 417.02
Summary
Pittsburgh property owners must maintain, repair, and replace the sidewalk and curb abutting their property, and must get a permit from the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure before doing the work.
It shall be the duty of the property owner abutting or adjoining the public right-of-way to provide for the continuing care, maintenance, repair, and replacement of all sidewalk pavements and curbing installed in the right-of-way abutting or adjoining their property.
(b) All sidewalks and curbs shall be kept in a proper state of repair, be free from hazardous conditions, and maintained in accordance with applicable laws, rules, guidelines, and policies.
(c) All sidewalks and curbs shall be constructed in accordance with specifications and regulations as established by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.
(d) The property owner must obtain a permit for any sidewalk repairs or construction as required by Section 413.02.
§ 417.02.A. Violations. [Ord. No. 35-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021[1]]
(a) If the property owner fails to comply with Section 417.02, the Director shall provide written notice indicating a violation of Section 417.02 and directing compliance. This notice shall provide the owner with a minimum of 30 days from the date of service to comply or request an extension or continuance from the Director.
(b) Service of the notice shall be made in accordance with Section 101.11.
(c) If the property owner fails to comply with subsection (a), the Director may (1) seek penalties under Section 101.09 or (2) seek collection of any costs and expenses for any work ordered by the Director pursuant to Section 417.03.
(d)
Full Breakdown
City Code § 417.02 places continuing care, maintenance, repair, and replacement of sidewalk pavement and curbing on the abutting property owner, not the City. Sidewalks and curbs must stay in proper repair and free of hazardous conditions, built to Department of Mobility and Infrastructure specifications. Owners need a permit under § 413.02 before repairing or replacing a sidewalk. If a tree the City planted damages the sidewalk or curb, the owner can file a damage claim with the City's Law Department for compensation set at $8.00 per square foot, adjusted every four years by the Pittsburgh CPI.
Violations & Fines
If an owner doesn't fix a cited sidewalk within 30 days of the Director's notice, the City can pursue fines under § 101.09 or repair it and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs in Pittsburgh?
Do I need a permit to fix my sidewalk?
What if a city-planted tree damaged my sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle sidewalk repair.