San Jose, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SJMC § 14.16.2200
- Covers
- sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking strip
- Repair deadline extension
- up to 90 days, director's discretion
- Nonpayment
- becomes a lien on property
- Injury liability
- owner liable per § 14.16.2205
Summary
San Jose Municipal Code § 14.16.2200 puts sidewalk repair on the abutting property owner, not the city. Owners must maintain the sidewalk, parking strip, curb and gutter, and cover the city's inspection and repair costs.
The owners of lots or portions of lots adjacent to or fronting on any portion of a sidewalk area between the property line of the lots and the street line, including parking strips, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and persons in possession of such lots by virtue of any permit or right shall repair and maintain such sidewalk areas and pay the costs and expenses therefor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under SJMC § 14.16.2200(B), owners of lots fronting a sidewalk area, including the parking strip, sidewalk, curb and gutter between the property line and the street, must repair and maintain it and pay the costs, including the City's inspection and administration charges when the city awards a repair contract. Subsection (C) covers surface grinding, removal/replacement, tree root pruning and root barriers, and weed/debris removal. Subsection (D) lets the director of streets and parks extend the repair deadline up to 90 days for sufficient cause. If the city performs the work, costs can be assessed against the property and become a lien.
Violations & Fines
If an owner doesn't repair after notice, the city can do the work itself under Chapter 22 of the state Streets and Highways Code and assess the cost to the property, with unpaid assessments becoming a lien. Under § 14.16.2205, an owner who fails to keep the sidewalk safe is also liable to anyone injured as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays to fix a broken sidewalk in San Jose?
Is the owner liable if someone is hurt on a broken sidewalk?
Can San Jose extend the repair deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle sidewalk repair.