Scranton, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Under Article VII of Chapter 412, an owner is obligated to install sidewalks when a building permit issues for new construction (§ 412-42), and the general duty in § 412-41 requires the owner fronting or abutting a designated public street, lane or alley to construct sidewalks and keep them in good repair. The Department of Public Works can direct repair whenever a sidewalk fails city standards under § 412-43C(6): buckling from tree roots or frost upheaval with an elevation variation of one to one and one-half inches or more, cracking from settling or heavy vehicular traffic, or pitting and deterioration serious enough to endanger the public.

Downtown sidewalks are set at a uniform four-foot width from the street line toward the curb, though the Director of Public Works or City Engineer can waive that minimum, never below four feet, after a written application to the Department of Planning and Development. Notice runs through the Building Inspector under § 412-44, who serves the owner, or an agent, tenant or occupier if the owner cannot be located, and files an affidavit of service with the Department of Public Works. If the owner refuses or neglects to comply within thirty days of that notice, § 412-45 lets the city construct, repair or replace the sidewalk itself and recover the cost, plus a fifteen percent penalty, from the owner.