West Allis, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who maintains
- abutting property owner
- Area covered
- property line to paved street
- Condition standard
- sound condition, good repair
- Code chapter
- Property Maintenance Code, Ch. 13
Summary
West Allis places maintenance of the public strip between a property line and the street, including the sidewalk, on the abutting property owner, not the City.
Public Property Abutting Private Property. The public areas between the property line and the paved street shall be maintained by the abutting property owner in accordance with Section 11.13. Sidewalks, Driveways and Other Improvements. Sidewalks, walks, driveways, open parking areas, retaining walls and other concrete, asphalt, brick, gravel, stone or similar areas shall be maintained in sound condition and in good repair. Property conditions resulting in dust, dirt, loose stones or other aggregate being deposited on public property is prohibited. Trees and Debris. Properties shall be kept free of diseased or fallen trees, branches or bushes. Trees shall not be allowed to grow near the foundations of buildings and structures so as to damage the building or structure. Fences. Every fence shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Drainage of Premises. Every premises shall be properly drained as to prevent stagnant water from accumulating thereon. Discharge of stormwater from sump pumps, gutter extensions and surface drainage shall be directed to drain away from habitable buildings and shall not cause a nuisance to the public streets, alleys or sidewalks. Refuse Storage. See Section 7.05 for specific refuse requirements. Refuse containers shall have tight-fitting covers, be maintained in good repair and shall be rodent- and water-proof. Refuse and rubbish shall be stored within proper containers excepting as permitted for recyclables and bulk refuse.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under the Property Maintenance Code, the public areas between a property's boundary line and the paved street, the terrace strip that includes the sidewalk, must be maintained by the abutting property owner, not the City. That sits alongside the broader Sidewalks, Driveways and Other Improvements standard requiring sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls and similar surfaces to be kept in sound condition and good repair. Construction and repair work itself follows the procedures the Wisconsin Statutes set for city sidewalks, adopted by reference in the Public Ways chapter, but day-to-day upkeep of the strip fronting a lot is the owner's job.
Violations & Fines
Letting the sidewalk, terrace strip or driveway apron deteriorate, or letting loose stone, dirt or debris wash onto public property from an unmaintained abutting strip, is a Property Maintenance Code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my West Allis home?
Does the City ever fix West Allis sidewalks itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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