Yes, most communities in California address sidewalk maintenance and repairs in accordance with California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610 (“Section 5610”), which places the burden of sidewalk maintenance on the adjacent property owner (see FAQ above). Many jurisdictions have also adopted ordinances which codify this responsibility into their municipal code. Some jurisdictions also provide, as allowed by California courts, that the adjacent property owner may be liable for injuries incurred by sidewalk users as a result of a failure to maintain and repair the sidewalk. The following table shows how other northbay jurisdictions handle sidewalk repair and liability:
Jurisdiction | Responsibility to Repair | Liability for Injuries |
Novato | Ordinance Property owners (15-2.46) | Ordinance: Property owners (15-2/46) |
County of Marin | States & Highway Code 5610: Property owners | No stated policy |
Belvedere | Ordinance: Property owners (13.24.015) | Ordinance: Property owners (13.24.017) |
Tiburon | Ordinance: Property owners (24-02) | Ordinance: Property owners (24-02) |
Corte Madera | Ordinance: Property owners (12.56.010) | Ordinance: Property owners (12.56.010) |
Sausalito | Ordinance: Property owners (17.36.020) | Ordinance: Property owners (17.36.030) |
Larkspur | Ordinance: Property owners (9.55.030) | Ordinance: Property owners (9.55.030) |
Ross | Ordinance: Property owners (12.20.010) | Ordinance: Property owners (12.20.040) |
Petaluma | Ordinance: Property owners (13.10.010) | Ordinance: Property owners (13.10.030) |
Napa | States & Highway Code 5610: Property owners | No stated policy |
Sonoma (City) | Ordinance: Property owners (12.12.10) | Only penalty for violation (12.12.160) |
Rohnert Park | Ordinance: Property owners and renters (1.24.030) | No stated policy |
Santa Rosa | Ordinance: Property owners (13-32.020) | Ordinance: Property owners (13-32.020) |
St. Helena | Ordinance: Property owners (12.08.010) | Ordinance: Property owners + City in defined area (12.08.025) |