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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Primary duty
Abutting property owner
Governing section
§ 24-175(b), sidewalk crossings
Snow removal window
6 hours after snowfall stops
Overnight snow deadline
11:00 a.m. next morning
Snow penalty
Class 4 misdemeanor, up to $250
Exemption
Age 65+ or physically disabled owners

Summary

Richmond puts sidewalk upkeep on the property next to it. Under Section 24-175, the owner abutting a sidewalk crossing is the presumed responsible party for maintaining and repairing both the crossing and the adjacent sidewalk pavement. Section 24-34 separately requires every occupant to clear snow from the abutting sidewalk within six hours of it stopping.

The owner of any premises abutting that portion of public street right-of-way, whether in front or to any side, to which any form of sidewalk crossing may exist shall be the prima facie owner and responsible party for the maintenance of the sidewalk crossing, whether permitted or not, and adjacent section of sidewalk pavement thereof and shall indemnify and hold the City harmless for any claim or litigation that may ensue as a result from the existence and operation of the sidewalk crossing.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).

Full Breakdown

Section 24-175(a) puts paving and maintenance costs for a sidewalk crossing, such as a driveway, on the person who was granted the permit to build it, though the City won't bill a single-family homeowner for the driveway portion of a sidewalk when a citywide sidewalk repair or replacement program is already underway. Section 24-175(b) goes further: the owner of any premises abutting a public right-of-way where a sidewalk crossing exists, whether permitted or not, is the prima facie owner and responsible party for maintaining that crossing and the adjacent section of sidewalk pavement, and must indemnify the City against any resulting claim.

Section 24-176 lets the Director of Public Works order an abandoned, unused, or unnecessary crossing removed and the curb and sidewalk restored at the landowner's expense within 30 days of written notice, or remove a hazardous carriage walk or steps at the City's own cost. the next morning, in a way that does not block water in the gutters.

Violations & Fines

Ducking sidewalk-crossing maintenance under Section 24-175(b) exposes the owner to indemnification liability if someone is hurt, and the Department of Public Works can remove a neglected or hazardous crossing under Section 24-176. Missing the six-hour snow-clearing deadline under Section 24-34 is a Class 4 misdemeanor, fine up to $250.00, plus the City's abatement cost if it has to clear the walk itself; residents who are physically disabled or 65 or older are exempt from the criminal penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to fix a broken sidewalk crossing in front of my Richmond house?
Section 24-175(b) makes the abutting property owner the prima facie responsible party for maintaining a sidewalk crossing, whether it was ever permitted or not, along with the adjacent section of sidewalk pavement. The owner must also indemnify the City against any claim arising from the crossing's condition or use.
How fast do I have to shovel snow off my Richmond sidewalk?
Section 24-34 gives every occupant, or the owner if the land is vacant, six hours after snow stops falling to clear the abutting sidewalk. If snow falls overnight, clearing it by 11:00 a.m. the next morning counts as compliance. Missing the deadline is a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Does anyone get out of Richmond's snow-shoveling duty?
Section 24-34(c) exempts people who are physically disabled or age 65 or older from the criminal penalty for missing the snow-removal deadline. The underlying duty to clear the sidewalk still exists, and the City can recover its own abatement cost from the responsible owner if it has to clear the snow.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Richmond

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All Richmond rules

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