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Default rule and exceptions
Under California Streets & Highways Code § 5610 the abutting owner must maintain the fronting sidewalk. Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 goes further and makes the owner of a property whose tree causes a City-owned sidewalk to crack, uplift or depress responsible for repairing the damaged sidewalk. On owner default the City repairs after notice and bills the owner (§ 12.29.030).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain the fronting sidewalk (CA S&H § 5610); repair sidewalk damage caused by roots of a tree on the property, even where the sidewalk is City-owned (§ 12.29.010). |
| City / public agency | On owner default the City may repair and bill the owner (§ 12.29.030). |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
The owner of any property on which is situated a tree which causes an adjacent City-owned sidewalk to become cracked, uplifted or depressed due to growth of roots or other material below or next to the sidewalk shall be responsible for repair of the damaged sidewalk
The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place when that street or place is improved ... shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Anaheim, CA?
The property owner. Maintain the fronting sidewalk (CA S&H § 5610); repair sidewalk damage caused by roots of a tree on the property, even where the sidewalk is City-owned (§ 12.29.010).
What does the city cover in Anaheim, CA?
On owner default the City may repair and bill the owner (§ 12.29.030).
What is this based on for Anaheim, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 (owner responsible for tree-root sidewalk damage) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 (owner responsible for tree-root sidewalk damage)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- California Streets & Highways Code § 5610 (owner duty to maintain fronting sidewalk)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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