Yakima, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Abutting property owner/occupant
- Cleaning penalty
- Up to $250 per violation
- Vegetation clearance
- 7 feet above sidewalk
- Repair cost cap
- 50% of assessed land value
- Unpaid cost
- Becomes a lien on property
Summary
Yakima property owners bear the duty, cost, and liability for maintaining, cleaning, and repairing the public sidewalk directly abutting their property, under Chapter 8.76 of the municipal code.
...the duty, burden and expense of the maintenance and cleaning of abutting sidewalk surfaces and said rights-of-way (including the removal of litter, leaves, weeds and other debris) belongs to the owner or occupant of the private property directly abutting on the sidewalk and/or right-of-way described herein. This duty includes maintaining a clear path of travel, unobstructed by over-hanging vegetation, for the entire width and up to and including seven feet above any abutting sidewalk surfaces.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima Municipal Code § 8.76.025 places "the duty, burden and expense of the maintenance and cleaning of abutting sidewalk surfaces", including litter, leaves, weeds, and overhanging vegetation up to seven feet, on the owner or occupant of the abutting property. Separately, § 8.76.040 lets the director of public works order reconstruction or repair of an unsafe sidewalk, with cost borne by the abutting owner (§ 8.76.050), capped at 50% of the property's assessed land value (§ 8.76.080).
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain or clean an abutting sidewalk is a civil infraction up to $250 per violation, with each day a separate offense; unpaid repair assessments become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to shovel or sweep the sidewalk in Yakima?
Who pays to fix a broken sidewalk panel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.