Sterling Heights, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who maintains
- abutting property owner
- Notice
- first-class mail from City Engineer
- Owner deadline
- 30 days after notice
- Non-compliance
- city repairs and liens property
Summary
Sterling Heights property owners must keep the sidewalk abutting their lot in good repair or face liability for injuries.
All sidewalks within the city shall be kept and maintained in good repair by the owner of the property adjacent to and abutting upon the same. Whenever the City Engineer determines that a sidewalk is unsafe, he or she shall cause written notice thereof to be given by first class mail to the owner of abutting property as determined from the tax rolls. If any owner shall neglect to keep and maintain in good repair the sidewalk adjacent and abutting upon his or her property, then the owner shall be liable to the city for any damages recovered against the city sustained by any person by reason of the sidewalk being unsafe and in a state of disrepair. (1978 Code, § 31-6; Ord. No. 286, § 1, 8-21-90; Ord. No. 286-C, § 1, 6-4-96; Ord. No. 388, § 21, 1-3-07)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Section 48-6(I) of the city code puts sidewalk upkeep on the adjacent property owner: all sidewalks in Sterling Heights must be kept and maintained in good repair by the owner of the abutting property. When the City Engineer finds a sidewalk unsafe, written notice goes to the owner by first-class mail, and an owner who neglects to repair a sidewalk after notice becomes liable to the city for damages the city has to pay someone injured by the disrepair. Separately, § 48-6(E)-(G) lets the City Council order sidewalk construction or repair citywide and bill or lien the abutting owner if the work isn't done within 30 days of notice.
Violations & Fines
An owner who ignores a repair notice is liable to the city for any damages the city pays out over the unsafe sidewalk, and the city can also perform the repair itself and lien the property as a special assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a cracked sidewalk in Sterling Heights?
What happens if I don't fix my sidewalk after the city notifies me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle sidewalk repair.