If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Des Moines Code Sec. 102-42 puts sidewalk maintenance and repair on the abutting owner, who may be liable for damages if it is not kept in good repair. Iowa Code 364.12 separately sets the city's own duty to keep sidewalks in repair.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Des Moines Code Sec. 102-42: "The owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk shall maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition, in a state of good repair, and free from defects." |
| City / public agency | Iowa Code 364.12: "A city shall keep all public grounds, streets, sidewalks, alleys ... open, in repair, and free from nuisance" |
| Exceptions | After a notice that the sidewalk is defective, the owner has 180 days to repair it. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 3, 2026.
A city shall keep all public grounds, streets, sidewalks, alleys, bridges, culverts, overpasses, underpasses, grade crossing separations and approaches, public ways, squares, and commons open, in repair, and free from nuisance
The owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk shall maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition, in a state of good repair, and free from defects. The abutting property owner may be liable for damages caused by failure to maintain the sidewalk.
Income-eligible property owners may apply for subsidy assistance. If approved within 30 days from the date of the notice to reconstruct the sidewalk, the city will arrange to have the sidewalk replaced.
It is state law that any property owner abutting a public sidewalk shall maintain the sidewalk safely. If a property owner is notified that their sidewalk is defective, the owner has 180 days to make repairs.
A permit costs $40.00 and is available in the city’s Permit and Development Center in City Hall at 1200 Locust Street.
City rules rest on state law. Read Iowa's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Des Moines, IA?
The property owner. Des Moines Code Sec. 102-42: "The owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk shall maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition, in a state of good repair, and free from defects."
What does the city cover in Des Moines, IA?
Iowa Code 364.12: "A city shall keep all public grounds, streets, sidewalks, alleys ... open, in repair, and free from nuisance"
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Des Moines, IA?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Des Moines, IA?
After a notice that the sidewalk is defective, the owner has 180 days to repair it.
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Des Moines, IA?
Income-eligible owners may apply for subsidy assistance. If approved within 30 days of the notice to reconstruct the sidewalk, the City arranges the replacement. A sidewalk permit costs $40 at the Permit and Development Center, 1200 Locust Street.
Sources
- 364.12 Responsibility for public places.statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Sec. 102-42. - Maintenance.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Sidewalk Maintenanceofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Sidewalk Maintenanceofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Sidewalk Maintenanceofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
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