Salem, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

154 of the Salem Revised Code sets out a split responsibility scheme. 152(a), all sidewalks abutting the owner's property in good repair and acceptable condition, along with landscape strips, walkways, and driveways between the curbline and the right-of-way line; an owner who learns a sidewalk defect may have been caused by trees in the public right-of-way must notify the Director. Subsection (b) carves out an exception for older sidewalks: for sidewalks built before September 1, 1992, the owner has no maintenance duty until the Director certifies the sidewalk meets the adopted standards, and until that certification the City is responsible for repairs, subject to yearly appropriations and Council prioritization.

That exception does not apply where the sidewalk abuts city, county, state, or federal government property; there, the owner's duty applies regardless of the sidewalk's construction date. Subsection (c) makes the City responsible for repairing damage caused by trees in public rights-of-way and for all curb ramp repairs at street corners and intersections, subject to the same yearly appropriations and Council prioritization. Subsection (d) directs the Director to run an inspection and certification program identifying pre-1992 sidewalks and to bring the Council an annual recommended repair schedule with cost estimates.

156 requires written notice and order to the owner describing the defect, and the owner must obtain a repair permit within 30 days and complete work within a reasonable time not exceeding 120 days, subject to a ten-day reconsideration window and a 14-day appeal to the Hearings Officer.