Providence, RI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who orders the work
- Director of Public Works
- Who pays
- Abutting lot owner
- Surcharge if city does it
- 10% added to cost
- Collection method
- Added to owner's property tax
Summary
Providence orders sidewalk construction or repair through the abutting property owner, and bills the owner if the city ends up doing the work itself.
At the expiration of the time limited by the director of public works as provided in section 23-66; if the work shall not have been prosecuted according to his directions, he shall, in his discretion, proceed at the expense of the city and execute the directions so given to the owner by him. When the same shall be accomplished, it shall be the duty of the director to certify the expense thereof to the assessors of taxes of the city, together with ten (10) percent in addition thereto, to cover the interest, cost of assessing and collecting. Said sum so certified shall be by the assessors added to the tax of the owner of such adjacent lot so neglecting as aforesaid, which proceeding shall be conclusive, and the said owner with his estate shall be responsible therefor in the same manner as for other taxes. In case any society which is exempt from taxation shall be owner of said land, the proceedings shall be the same, and notice shall be given to the treasurer of said society, and the cost of such alteration, with the ten (10) percent additional, shall be collected of such society in the same manner as is prescribed by law for the collection of taxes.
(Ord. 1914, ch. 49, § 14; Rev. Ords. 1946, ch. 2, § 96)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
The director of public works decides when a sidewalk needs to be built or repaired and gives written notice to the owner of the adjacent lot specifying the materials and timeline. If the owner doesn't complete the work in time, the director has the city do it and certifies the cost -- plus 10% for interest and collection -- to the tax assessors, who add it to that owner's property tax bill. The owner and their estate are on the hook for it exactly as with any other tax.
Violations & Fines
Missed repair deadline after notice: city performs the work and adds the full cost plus a 10% surcharge to the property owner's tax bill, collected the same way as delinquent property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Providence ever pay for sidewalk repairs itself?
What if the owner doesn't live in Providence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle sidewalk repair.