If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
The abutting owner is responsible for all sidewalk maintenance and repair in the abutting right-of-way (Code 905.06(a)). Street trees are city property under the Recreation and Parks Director (Ch. 912), but that ownership does not shift the repair bill.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Columbus Code 905.06(a): "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... street, alley, or other public way." |
| City / public agency | Columbus Code Ch. 912 defines a "Public tree" as "any tree growing on land owned by the city including lands defined as "public place", "public street", or "park."" and puts public trees under the recreation and parks director. The city manages the tree, not the sidewalk it cracks. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 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
"Director" means the director of the recreation and parks department of the city, or any representative the director so designates. ... "Public tree" means any tree growing on land owned by the city including lands defined as "public place", "public street", or "park."
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 tree roots in Columbus, OH?
The property owner. Columbus Code 905.06(a): "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... street, alley, or other public way."
What does the city cover in Columbus, OH?
Columbus Code Ch. 912 defines a "Public tree" as "any tree growing on land owned by the city including lands defined as "public place", "public street", or "park."" and puts public trees under the recreation and parks director. The city manages the tree, not the sidewalk it cracks.
What is this based on for Columbus, OH?
This verdict is sourced to 905.06 Sidewalk and driveway entrance maintenance and repair. and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- 905.06 Sidewalk and driveway entrance maintenance and repair.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- 912.01 Definitions.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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