West Des Moines, IA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 7-1-6 assigns two related duties to the abutting property owner: subsection A makes the owner responsible for maintaining the parking terrace, the strip of publicly owned land between the property line and the curb, though the owner is not required to remove diseased trees or dead wood there. Subsection C then makes the owner responsible for keeping the adjoining sidewalk itself, the portion between the lot line and the curb or traveled roadway, in a safe and hazard-free condition. When an owner fails to maintain a sidewalk as required, subsection D lets the City notify the owner in writing if the City is sued over an injury allegedly caused by the defect, potentially making the owner liable for any judgment against the City.

Separately, subsection E lets the City serve notice by certified mail requiring the owner to repair, replace, or reconstruct the sidewalk within a reasonable time; if certified mail is unclaimed or returned, the City may follow up by regular mail to the address of record. If the owner still does not act within the time stated in the notice, the City can perform the repair itself and assess the actual cost against the property for collection in the same manner as a property tax, following the same assessment procedure used for snow and ice removal costs under section 7-1-5.