Pocatello, ID Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 12.04.030
- Duty holder
- Abutting property owner
- Repair notice period
- 30 days
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine
- Alternative remedy
- City repairs and assesses cost to owner
Summary
In the City of Pocatello, the owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk or curb must build, repair, or replace it to keep pedestrian passage reasonably safe, per City Code section 12.04.030. Owners are personally liable for injuries caused by a defective or snow covered sidewalk they failed to maintain, and the Public Works Director can order repairs within thirty days before code enforcement issues a misdemeanor citation.
A. It is the duty of the person owning or having control of real property along or abutting any curb or sidewalk, including, but not limited to, the intersection quadrant of a corner property to construct, repair or replace the curb or sidewalk so as to provide a reasonably safe, all weather passage for pedestrians, and to provide adequate street drainage and pavement protection, for the safety and convenience of the traveling public. B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the owner of real property abutting any sidewalk and curb, including, but not limited to, the intersection quadrant of a corner property, shall be liable for any injury to property or personal injury, including death, proximately caused by the failure of such owner to maintain such sidewalk and curb in a reasonably safe condition. Failure to maintain such sidewalk and curb in a reasonably safe condition shall include, but not be limited to, the negligent failure to install, construct, reconstruct, repave, repair, or replace defective sidewalks and curbs and the negligent failure to remove snow, ice, dirt, or other material from the sidewalk and curb.
Full Breakdown
Pocatello City Code section 12.04.030 places sidewalk and curb upkeep squarely on the abutting property owner, including corner lots at an intersection quadrant. The owner must construct, repair, or replace the curb or sidewalk so it provides a reasonably safe, all weather passage for pedestrians and adequate street drainage. Subsection B makes the owner liable for any property damage or personal injury, including death, proximately caused by failing to keep the sidewalk and curb reasonably safe, expressly covering negligent failure to remove snow, ice, dirt, or other material.
Subsection E requires an owner to carry personal injury and property damage liability insurance covering that duty. Section 12.04.040 lets the Public Works Director or a designee serve written notice on an owner when a sidewalk or curb is found dangerous, requiring repair within thirty days of receipt; if the owner does not act, the director may ask the City's code enforcement official to issue a misdemeanor citation under section 12.04.050. As an alternative, the City Council may order the work done itself and assess the cost to the property owner, collected under Idaho Code section 50-1008, or form a Local Improvement District under Idaho Code title 50, chapter 17.
Curb and sidewalk construction and repair must follow the Idaho Standards for Public Works Construction under section 12.04.020, and any new or altered driveway, curb, gutter, or sidewalk needs a building department permit under chapter 12.08.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a Public Works repair notice for thirty days lets the director refer the case for a misdemeanor citation under section 12.04.050, punishable under section 1.04.040 by a fine up to one thousand dollars, up to six months in the county jail, or both. The City can instead do the repair itself and bill the owner, or create a Local Improvement District to spread the cost by special assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix a broken sidewalk in Pocatello?
Can I be liable if someone is hurt on my sidewalk?
What happens if I ignore a City repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pocatello
Compare Pocatello to another location·View the Idaho sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.