If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Sidewalks, drive pads, and curb ramps abutting the property must be kept clean (including ice and snow) and in good repair by the owner, occupant, or agent in charge; on default after notice the city performs the work and liens the property.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Albuquerque Code Sec. 6-5-5-18(A): "All sidewalks, drive pads and curb ramps shall be kept clean from rocks and other obstructions, including ice and snow, and in a state of good repair by the owner, occupants, or agents in charge of the abutting property." |
| City / public agency | On owner default the city steps in: per Sec. 6-5-5-18(F), "the cost of such repairs or maintenance or removal of obstruction shall constitute a lien against such property and shall be foreclosed in the same manner provided by law for the foreclosure of municipal liens." New-construction defects within 1 year go to the bonded contractor/owner under Sec. 6-5-5-9. |
| Exceptions | Defects within 1 year of construction: bonded contractor/bonded owner must repair on notice or forfeit bond (Sec. 6-5-5-9); After notice, the owner has 90 days to complete the repairs (City staff, September 2025). |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 3, 2026.
All sidewalks, drive pads and curb ramps shall be kept clean from rocks and other obstructions, including ice and snow, and in a state of good repair by the owner, occupants, or agents in charge of the abutting property.
the cost of such repairs or maintenance or removal of obstruction shall constitute a lien against such property and shall be foreclosed in the same manner provided by law for the foreclosure of municipal liens.
The City’s Sidewalk Ordinance requires that all property owners be responsible for maintenance, repair, and liability of the sidewalk in front and on each side of their property.
The City ordinance states that sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner.
The property owner has 90 days to complete the repairs.
City rules rest on state law. Read New Mexico's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Albuquerque, NM?
The property owner. Albuquerque Code Sec. 6-5-5-18(A): "All sidewalks, drive pads and curb ramps shall be kept clean from rocks and other obstructions, including ice and snow, and in a state of good repair by the owner, occupants, or agents in charge of the abutting property."
What does the city cover in Albuquerque, NM?
On owner default the city steps in: per Sec. 6-5-5-18(F), "the cost of such repairs or maintenance or removal of obstruction shall constitute a lien against such property and shall be foreclosed in the same manner provided by law for the foreclosure of municipal liens." New-construction defects within 1 year go to the bonded contractor/owner under Sec. 6-5-5-9.
Are there exceptions in Albuquerque, NM?
Defects within 1 year of construction: bonded contractor/bonded owner must repair on notice or forfeit bond (Sec. 6-5-5-9); After notice, the owner has 90 days to complete the repairs (City staff, September 2025).
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Albuquerque, NM?
Defects within 1 year of construction: bonded contractor/bonded owner must repair on notice or forfeit bond (Sec. 6-5-5-9)
What is this based on for Albuquerque, NM?
This verdict is sourced to Albuquerque Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-5-5-18 (owner duty + city lien) and 6 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Albuquerque Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-5-5-18 (owner duty + city lien)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Albuquerque Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-5-5-9 (1-year bonded-construction defect duty)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-06
- Albuquerque Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-5-5-18 (owner duty + city lien)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Frequently Asked Questions - City of Albuquerqueofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Frequently Asked Questions - City of Albuquerqueofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes, September 8, 2025official · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
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