If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
It is the duty of the abutting owner (or agent) to maintain and repair the adjoining sidewalk/driveway. On failure, the director of public service notices the owner; if not completed within 10 days the city makes the repairs and the cost becomes an enforceable lien (§ 23-42). Construction carries a parallel owner duty (§ 23-41).
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain and repair the adjoining sidewalk/driveway; complete noticed repairs within 10 days. |
| City / public agency | Director of public service issues notice/specs; on default the city repairs and files an enforceable lien. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
It shall be the duty of the abutting property owner, or his agent, of any house or property, to maintain and repair sidewalks or driveways adjoining his property, and if an abutting property owner or his agent fails to repair or maintain the sidewalk or driveway adjoining his property the director shall notify the owner, and if the repairs are not completed within ten (10) days the director shall cause the necessary repairs to be made and the cost of such repairs shall be a lien against the abutting property
It shall be the duty of the abutting property owner, or his agent, of any house or property, to construct sidewalks or driveways adjoining his property, and if the abutting property owner or his agent fails to construct sidewalks or driveways adjoining his property, the director of public service shall cause written notice to be given such property owner or agent requiring him to construct such sidewalks or driveways
City rules rest on state law. Read Tennessee's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Knoxville, TN?
The property owner. Maintain and repair the adjoining sidewalk/driveway; complete noticed repairs within 10 days.
What does the city cover in Knoxville, TN?
Director of public service issues notice/specs; on default the city repairs and files an enforceable lien.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Knoxville, TN?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
What is this based on for Knoxville, TN?
This verdict is sourced to Knoxville Code § 23-42: responsibility for repairs and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Knoxville Code § 23-42: responsibility for repairsofficial · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-12
- Knoxville Code § 23-41: responsibility for constructionofficial · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-12
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