Saint Paul, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 121 governs who may touch a public sidewalk and how. 01 flatly prohibits constructing or repairing any driveway, sidewalk, curb, or other impervious surfacing within the public right-of-way, outside the normal vehicle-traveled area, on or within any public street, alley, or public property, without first getting written permission from the director of the department of public works. 02 makes clear who that permission is granted to: the director is authorized to grant it 'to owners of abutting property' to perform the work, tying repair authority, and by extension, responsibility for getting the sidewalk fixed, to the property owner rather than the city or a random contractor.

03 then sets the operating conditions: the work must be performed by a licensed sidewalk contractor (licensed under the separate Chapter 356 sidewalk-contractor licensing scheme, which requires a $5,000 bond and a public-works examination) following plans the director approves; the permit fees and inspection costs must be paid; the work area must be barricaded by day and lit with flashing yellow lights by night; materials and dimensions are subject to the director's approval; and the contractor, not the abutting owner personally, assumes full responsibility for damages arising from the construction, reconstruction, or repair. 04(f) goes further and puts continued maintenance responsibility for that surfacing squarely on the owner. 07.