Portsmouth, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Sec. 32-251(a) lets city council tax or assess abutting property owners for making, improving, replacing or enlarging walkways on existing streets, and for paving existing alleys, capped at the benefit the improvement actually confers on that property. Sec. 32-251(b) extends that assessment power specifically to the construction, replacement or enlargement of sidewalks, along with water lines, sanitary or stormwater sewers, streetlights, canopies or other weather-protective devices, and permanent amenities like benches or waste receptacles. Sec. 32-252 lets council order the work by agreement with the abutting landowners or, absent agreement, on a petition from at least three-fourths of the affected landowners or by a five-member council vote, with notice first given under Sec.

32-254. Sec. 32-253 caps the abutting owner's share at one-half of the total cost of the improvement unless the owner agrees to more. Sec. 32-254 requires the city assessor to notify each abutting owner of the assessed amount and gives the owner the right to appear and object at least ten days later. If the city assessor overrules that objection, Sec. 32-255 gives the owner an appeal as of right to the Portsmouth circuit court within 30 days, tried de novo without a jury. Sec.

32-256 has the city treasurer bill the assessment separately from tax bills, and Sec. 32-257 lets the owner spread payment over up to five years at the judgment rate of interest, or over whatever schedule council sets, at six percent annual interest, for walkway or alley paving assessments.