Union Hill-Novelty Hill Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair Rules (2026)

Sidewalks are relatively limited in unincorporated King County, which is mostly rural or suburban with shoulders and bike lanes rather than urban sidewalks. Where sidewalks exist, they are most often in designated Urban Growth Areas like White Center, Fairwood, Skyway, and the portions of Federal Way and Kent unincorporated islands. Under Washington state law (RCW 35.69.010 applies to cities, and King County follows similar principles in its road code) and King County Code Title 14, abutting property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property in reasonable, safe condition. King County Road Services inspects and administers sidewalk repairs in unincorporated areas. If a sidewalk is cracked, uplifted (often from street tree roots), or broken, the property owner may be notified and required to repair or contribute to the repair. King County does not typically undertake repairs at county expense except where the damage is caused by county-owned trees or infrastructure. The Road Services Division can require sidewalk repairs as a condition of development or as part of a neighborhood improvement project, with costs sometimes funded through Local Improvement Districts (LIDs). Sidewalk repairs generally require a right of way use permit from King County Road Services to ensure work meets standards for slope, width, and ADA accessibility.