Default rule and exceptions
Indianapolis Code 645-605 says the Department of Public Works shall repair and maintain the streets, sidewalks and public places of the city in a reasonably safe condition so far as the extent and the facilities available make practicable. The department has no duty, except when so ordered or when the need is evident, to repair every slight and trivial defect, uneven place and crack. Anyone repairing a sidewalk under a private contract needs a permit from the division of construction and business services first (645-607). The Mayor's Action Center takes requests at 317-327-4622.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Department of Public Works | Repairs and maintains sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition as far as its facilities make practicable (645-605). |
| Property owner or private contractor | Needs a permit and pays the fees before repairing a sidewalk under a private contract (645-607). |
| Exceptions | Slight and trivial defects, uneven places and cracks: the department has no duty to repair them except when so ordered or when the need is evident (645-605). |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Nov 2, 2026.
the department of public works shall repair and maintain the streets, sidewalks and public places of the city in a reasonably safe condition so far as the extent thereof and the facilities available therefor render practicable
there shall be no duty, except when so ordered or when the need is evident, on the part of the department of public works and the city employees to repair every slight and trivial defect, uneven place and crack in the pavements, sidewalks
No person shall remove, construct, reconstruct, establish, alter or repair any sidewalk within the city under a private contract, without first obtaining a permit therefor from the division of construction and business services and paying the required fees, as authorized by this Code.
Call 317-327-4622 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to talk with someone in the Mayor's Action Center.
City rules rest on state law. Read Indiana's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Indianapolis, IN?
The city / utility. Repairs and maintains sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition as far as its facilities make practicable (645-605).
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Indianapolis, IN?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Indianapolis, IN?
Slight and trivial defects, uneven places and cracks: the department has no duty to repair them except when so ordered or when the need is evident (645-605).
What is this based on for Indianapolis, IN?
This verdict is sourced to Sec. 645-605, Construction and Repair (Indianapolis Code) and 4 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Sec. 645-605, Construction and Repair (Indianapolis Code)official-code · verified-primary · accessed 2026-11-02
- Sec. 645-605, Construction and Repair (Indianapolis Code)official-code · verified-primary · accessed 2026-11-02
- Sec. 645-607, Sidewalks (Indianapolis Code)official-code · verified-primary · accessed 2026-11-02
- Request Indyofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-11-02
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