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Default rule and exceptions
Columbus City Codes § 905.06(a) makes the abutting private property owner responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of all sidewalks in the abutting right-of-way. Section 905.11 sets the deterioration criteria (e.g., a half-inch offset or gap) that trigger a repair order.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain and repair the abutting sidewalk and driveway approach in the right-of-way; do not let it deteriorate past the § 905.11 criteria (§§ 905.06(a), 905.11). |
| City / public agency | The City orders repair (30-day compliance under § 905.05) and can perform emergency repair (§ 908.05); enforcement is a misdemeanor (§ 905.99). |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
The abutting private property owner shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of all sidewalks and driveway entrances within the abutting right-of-way or easement for any improved or unimproved street, alley, or other public way within the city, which provides access around, in, or to said private property.
No abutting property owner shall allow the condition of the sidewalk, and/or driveway approach within the public right-of-way or easement to deteriorate beyond the criteria herein established. Criteria for ordering the replacement or repair of sidewalks... shall be any or all of the conditions described as follows: Offset of one-half (1/2) inch or greater; Crack which has a gap of greater than one-half (1/2) inch...
City rules rest on state law. Read Ohio's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Columbus, OH?
The property owner. Maintain and repair the abutting sidewalk and driveway approach in the right-of-way; do not let it deteriorate past the § 905.11 criteria (§§ 905.06(a), 905.11).
What does the city cover in Columbus, OH?
The City orders repair (30-day compliance under § 905.05) and can perform emergency repair (§ 908.05); enforcement is a misdemeanor (§ 905.99).
What is this based on for Columbus, OH?
This verdict is sourced to Columbus City Codes § 905.06 (abutting owner responsible for sidewalk maintenance and repair) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Columbus City Codes § 905.06 (abutting owner responsible for sidewalk maintenance and repair)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Columbus City Codes § 905.11 (sidewalk deterioration criteria; repair/replacement order)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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