Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Duty holder: Owner of the abutting property
Notice period before county acts: 5 days
Max fine per offense: $100
Max jail per offense: 30 days
Applies in: Unincorporated LA County only

Summary

In unincorporated LA County, the owner of property abutting a sidewalk or curb must repair or reconstruct it once it is out of repair, needs reconstruction, or endangers pedestrians.

City-specific rules exist: Inglewood, South Gate, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Palmdale, Glendale, Lakewood, and Los Angeles have their own sidewalk repair rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

When any sidewalk or curb constructed on any road, boulevard, street, avenue, lane or alley shall be out of repair or in need of reconstruction or in a condition to endanger persons passing thereon or to interfere with public convenience in the use thereof, it shall be the duty of the owner of...the property abutting upon said sidewalk or curb to repair or reconstruct said sidewalk or curb.

Source: LA County Code Title 16, Chapter 16.80 - Sidewalk and Curb RepairView official code

Full Breakdown

County Code Chapter 16.80 puts sidewalk and curb upkeep on the abutting property owner, not the county. If the road commissioner learns a sidewalk or curb is broken, deteriorated, or hazardous, the owner gets written notice specifying the required repair and materials and has five days to act. Failure is a separate offense, and the county can do the work itself and bill the owner. This applies only within the unincorporated area; incorporated cities within the county set their own sidewalk-repair rules.

Violations & Fines

Failing to repair after the 5-day notice is a misdemeanor under 16.80.040 (fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in County Jail, each day a separate offense); the county may also do the repair and charge the owner under 16.80.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the county ever pay for sidewalk repairs?

No. Chapter 16.80 puts repair or reconstruction costs on the abutting owner; if the county steps in after notice, it bills the owner for the work.

Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?

No. This is the County Code and governs only the unincorporated area; the City of Los Angeles and the county's other 87 cities set their own sidewalk rules.

Sources & Official References

[1]LA County Code § 16.80.010-.040

Other rules in Los Angeles County

Obstruction RulesSome Restrictions Encroachment PermitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Los Angeles County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.