# Sidewalk Repair in Chattanooga, TN: Who Pays? | Who Pays the Repair?

> In Chattanooga the abutting property owner must repair a defective sidewalk or the city does it at the owner’s expense (City Code 32-103/32-105).

**Who pays:** owner

In Chattanooga the abutting owner must repair a defective sidewalk; if they don’t after notice, the city does it at the owner’s expense and the owner can be liable for injuries.

**Boundary:** Every owner/occupant/agent of a lot abutting a street must construct, reconstruct or repair a defective abutting sidewalk to city specs (§ 32-103). On failure after notice the Transportation Dept does the work at the owner’s expense (§ 32-105); a noticed owner is liable for injuries (§ 32-109).

**Property owner:** Keep the abutting sidewalk/curb in good repair to city specs; repair within the noticed time; liable for the city’s cost and for injuries on a neglected walk.

**City / agency:** City sets specs/permits, gives notice, and may repair at the owner’s expense on default.

## Sources
- [Chattanooga City Code § 32-103: owner to construct or repair sidewalk](https://library.municode.com/tn/chattanooga/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH32STSI_ARTVCUSICOMA_S32-103WHOWOCCORESI) — "When any street has been brought to an established or adopted grade, or when any sidewalk becomes out of repair or in any manner defective, whether in the bed or pavement or curbing thereof, or if such sidewalk does not conform to the provisions of the specifications of the city therefor, the owner, occupant or agent shall cause such sidewalk to be constructed, reconstructed or put in good repair according to such specifications." (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Chattanooga City Code § 32-105: city repairs at owner expense on default](https://library.municode.com/tn/chattanooga/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH32STSI_ARTVCUSICOMA_S32-105FACORENOAU) — "If the owner, occupant or agent fails or refuses to construct, reconstruct or repair any required sidewalk or curbing, the Transportation Department may cause the same to be done at the expense of the property owner." (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Sec. 32-109. Liability of Abutting Owner for Injuries to Persons](https://library.municode.com/tn/chattanooga/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH32STSI_ARTVCUSICOMA_S32-109LIABOWINPE) — "the abutting property owner, or his agent, has been notified to effectuate in the manner provided in this article, more than five (5) days before the happening of such injury, the abutting property owner shall be liable in damages." (accessed 2026-09-27)

_Last verified 2026-09-13. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chattanooga-tn-sidewalk-repair/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._