Warwick, RI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 70-1 makes the abutting owner responsible for repairing any sidewalk or sidewalk area next to their building or lot, whether or not it's supported by curbing, with the Department of Public Works doing the work at the owner's expense. Under Section 70-2, when a hole, depression, or obstruction appears, the department issues a written order describing the required materials, widths, height, and repair method, served personally on a resident owner or mailed and published if the owner lives elsewhere or the property is vacant.

Section 70-3 gives the owner 24 hours from service of that order, or another reasonable deadline set by the department, to comply; if they don't, the department repairs the sidewalk itself using suitable materials and keeps an exact account of labor, material, and supervision costs for each owner. Section 70-4 requires the city council to certify those costs to the tax assessor, who adds the amount plus 10 percent for interest and collection costs to the owner's property tax bill. That assessment is binding, and Section 70-4 makes tax-exempt societies, organizations, and corporations liable for the same charges as private owners despite their exemption from ordinary taxation.