Plainfield, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Article 2 of Chapter 13 of the Plainfield Municipal Code puts sidewalk and curb upkeep on the abutting owner in the City of Plainfield, Union County. Section 13:2-1 defines "property owner" to include a tenant, occupant or contractor, so the duty is not limited to the deed holder.

An owner can act on his own initiative and without notice, or must act when the City sends written notice as provided by law. Either way the work is to construct, reconstruct, repair and grade the sidewalk and/or the curb at the edge of the sidewalk abutting or bordering the property. Before starting, the owner must apply to the Director of Public Works or his designee for a permit and must conform to the chapter's requirements as to line and grade and as to materials used.

The finished sidewalk or curb must be at established grade and be maintained in good condition and in perfect alignment and grade so as to freely shed water. The owner must notify the Director or his designee before construction starts and arrange for inspection within two (2) days after completion. The Director then inspects to determine whether the owner followed the chapter.

The deadline is thirty (30) days after the owner receives written notice from the Director of Public Works or his designee. After that, the City shall cause the improvement or repair to be made. No further written notice is necessary if notice of the sidewalk improvement ordinance was given under N.J.S.A. 40:65-2 to 40:65-6, a cross reference the code prints.

When the Director's side does the work, the cost is certified to the Collector of Taxes. On filing, the amount becomes a lien upon the abutting lands in front of which the work was done, bears interest and is collected in the manner provided by law, or the City can bring an action to recover the cost against the owner or tenant. Section 13:2-10 separately requires the sidewalk space to be kept free from long grass, weeds and shrubs, with removal by Public Works after three (3) days' notice and the cost again a lien.

Owners seeking to discontinue a sidewalk in need of repair can ask the Council for a resolution waiver under § 13:2-7.1, which requires a sketch of all sidewalks within two hundred (200) feet.