If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Dallas City Code § 43-63(a) provides that when a sidewalk becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, the abutting property owner shall reconstruct or repair it and the expense must be borne by the abutting owner. The abutting owner is also primarily liable for injuries from a defective sidewalk (§ 43-33).
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Reconstruct or repair the abutting sidewalk at the owner’s expense when it becomes defective; act within 30 days of written notice (§ 43-63). |
| City / public agency | Enforcement runs through written notice and offense provisions (§ 43-63); the City does not bear the routine repair expense. |
| Exceptions | Cost Share Program: the City shares the cost 50/50 for removing and replacing existing residential sidewalk; single family homes, condominiums and townhomes are eligible.; The property owner pays 100% of drive approach removal and replacement, even in the program.; Replacement by the owner or a private contractor needs a permit from the City of Dallas Permit Center. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 1, 2026.
to share the cost 50/50 for existing residential sidewalk removal and replacement.
City ordinance requires property owners to replace sidewalks, drive approaches or any other associated element when they become defective, unsafe or hazardous.
the property owner will pay 100% for the cost of drive approach removal and replacement.
Any sidewalk replacements by the property owner or by a private contractor must have an issued permit from the City of Dallas Permit Center
When a sidewalk, driveway, or any appurtenance to a sidewalk or driveway becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, the abutting property owner shall reconstruct or repair the sidewalk, driveway, or appurtenance, and the expense of such work must be borne by the abutting property owner.
The abutting property owner or person enjoying the use of any property abutting on a sidewalk that has become defective and has resulted in causing damage or injury as a result of such defective condition shall be primarily liable in damages for any loss or damage sustained as a result of such defective condition.
City rules rest on state law. Read Texas's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Dallas, TX?
The property owner. Reconstruct or repair the abutting sidewalk at the owner’s expense when it becomes defective; act within 30 days of written notice (§ 43-63).
What does the city cover in Dallas, TX?
Enforcement runs through written notice and offense provisions (§ 43-63); the City does not bear the routine repair expense.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Dallas, TX?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Dallas, TX?
Cost Share Program: the City shares the cost 50/50 for removing and replacing existing residential sidewalk; single family homes, condominiums and townhomes are eligible.; The property owner pays 100% of drive approach removal and replacement, even in the program.; Replacement by the owner or a private contractor needs a permit from the City of Dallas Permit Center.
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Dallas, TX?
Cost Share Program: the City and the resident split the cost 50/50 for existing residential sidewalk removal and replacement. The City's page gives 214-948-4127 to access the program, and says a quote takes two to three months and the work three to nine months after payment.
Sources
- Sidewalk Replacement Program (Cost Share Program)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-01
- Sidewalk Replacement Program (owner duty)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-01
- Sidewalk Replacement Program (drive approach)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-01
- Sidewalk Replacement Program (permit)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-01
- Dallas City Code § 43-63 (owner must repair; expense borne by abutting owner)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Dallas City Code § 43-33 (abutting owner primarily liable for defective-sidewalk injury)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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