Memphis, TN · Sidewalk Repair

Who Pays for Sidewalk Repair in Memphis? The Homeowner

Who pays?
The property owner pays

Memphis: everything past the curb, including the sidewalk, is the citizen's job under City Ordinance 12-24-3.

High confidence · Verified Sep 5, 2026 · 1 source

What to do next

What to do next

  1. Check with Memphis before you hire anyone

    Most US cities take these reports through 311 or the city's Department of Public Works (sometimes Transportation or Streets; the water or sewer utility handles sewer laterals). Search "Memphis department of public works" or dial 311 for the current office and number.

  2. Photograph the problem and write down the date

    Take the photos before any work starts.

  3. If the city sent a notice, note its deadline

    Write down the date it must be fixed by and exactly what it asks for.

  4. If the repair is yours, get more than one written quote

    Ask each contractor to confirm where your part ends and the public part begins.

Work through the full repair checklist

If the repair is yours to pay

Get more than one quote before you agree to a price, and ask the contractor to confirm where the property line and the public side begin.

Compare local pros on Angi

For concrete, yard, tree, and foundation work, get a few quotes first.

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Responsibility Boundary

Default rule and exceptions

Citizens maintain sidewalks, grass, driveways, and anything beyond the face of the curb or the outside edge of the asphalt.

PartyWhat they are responsible for
Property ownerCity of Memphis: "Citizens are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, grass, driveways, and anything beyond the curb." Cites City Ordinance Sec. 12-24-3.
City / public agencyCity maintains the street itself, up to the curb face.
ExceptionsNone on record

What the source says

Last verified against the primary source on Sep 5, 2026.

No, anything beyond the face of the curb or the outside edge of the asphalt is to be maintained by the property owner.
Street Maintenance FAQ, checked Sep 27, 2026
No, citizens are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, grass, driveways, and anything beyond the curb. This can be found under City Ordinance Sec. 12-24-3.
Street Maintenance FAQ, checked Sep 27, 2026

Common questions

Who pays for sidewalk repair in Memphis, TN?

The property owner. City of Memphis: "Citizens are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, grass, driveways, and anything beyond the curb." Cites City Ordinance Sec. 12-24-3.

What does the city cover in Memphis, TN?

City maintains the street itself, up to the curb face.

What is this based on for Memphis, TN?

This verdict is sourced to Street Maintenance FAQ and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.

Sources

  1. Street Maintenance FAQofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
  2. Street Maintenance FAQofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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