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Default rule and exceptions
Detroit property owners must keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair, BUT under the City’s "Tree Guarantee Policy" the City may replace, for free, sidewalk sections damaged by the roots of trees between the curb and sidewalk (City trees in the City-controlled berm/right-of-way), if criteria are met.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair generally (DPW Sidewalk Program), except City-tree root damage covered by the Tree Guarantee Policy. |
| City / public agency | The City may replace sidewalk sections damaged by roots of a City tree between curb and sidewalk for free under the Tree Guarantee Policy (criteria apply); the berm between curb and sidewalk is City-controlled right-of-way. |
| Exceptions | City-tree root damage (curb-to-sidewalk berm): free City replacement under the Tree Guarantee Policy, criteria-based. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
Did you know that property owners in the City of Detroit are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property?... This includes keeping the sidewalks in good repair, free from hazardous conditions... Sidewalks damaged by roots of trees that are between the curb and sidewalk may be replaced by the City under the 'Tree Guarantee Policy'; however, certain criteria must be met in order for free replacement to occur.
Right of Way (RoW) is land controlled by public agencies that includes streets, alleys, public sidewalks, curbs, and the berm/green area, which is the area between the curb and sidewalk. Work within the city's Right of Way is managed by the City Engineering Division of the Department of Public [Works].
City rules rest on state law. Read Michigan's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Detroit, MI?
Responsibility is shared. Keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair generally (DPW Sidewalk Program), except City-tree root damage covered by the Tree Guarantee Policy.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Detroit, MI?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Detroit, MI?
City-tree root damage (curb-to-sidewalk berm): free City replacement under the Tree Guarantee Policy, criteria-based.
Is there any cost help for tree roots in Detroit, MI?
Tree Guarantee Policy: free City replacement of sidewalk sections damaged by roots of a City tree between curb and sidewalk, subject to criteria. Report via the DPW "Report a Sidewalk Issue" form.
What is this based on for Detroit, MI?
This verdict is sourced to City of Detroit: Sidewalk Program (owner duty + Tree Guarantee Policy for City-tree root damage) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- City of Detroit: Sidewalk Program (owner duty + Tree Guarantee Policy for City-tree root damage)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- City of Detroit: Right of Way Permits and Standards (curb-to-sidewalk berm is City-controlled ROW)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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