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 AngiFor concrete, yard, tree, and foundation work, get a few quotes first.
Partner link. Who Pays the Repair? may earn a commission if you request a quote or sign up, at no cost to you. It never changes who we say pays.
Default rule and exceptions
Minneapolis Code § 427.90 makes the abutting owner construct, reconstruct and maintain the adjacent sidewalk in good repair, and the City assesses the cost to the property. The City’s sidewalk-maintenance materials list tree roots among the damages the owner pays for. So the owner pays for tree-root sidewalk damage even though the Park Board owns the boulevard trees.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Construct, reconstruct and maintain the adjacent sidewalk in good repair (§ 427.90); pay for damages including tree roots (city page). |
| City / public agency | The City inspects, mails a repair notice (21+ days), performs the repair, then bills the owner (10% admin, capped $50) or specially assesses it. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
It is the duty of all owners of land adjoining any street, lane or alley in the city, to construct, reconstruct and maintain in good repair any sidewalks along the side of the street, lane or alley next to the lands of such owner... the city council shall proceed to ascertain the expense of constructing the same and assess and levy the expense upon and against each lot and parcel of land upon which the sidewalk shall front.
You must pay for sidewalk repairs Property owners are responsible for the public sidewalk that is alongside their property. This means paying for: Damages Repairs Construction See City Ordinance 427.90
the property owner will get a Sidewalk Repair Notice in the mail. This notice comes at least 21 days before the repair work starts. ... The bill includes a 10% administrative charge (not to exceed $50.00). The property owner can pay the bill in full or have the cost assessed to their property taxes as a special assessment.
City rules rest on state law. Read Minnesota's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Minneapolis, MN?
The property owner. Construct, reconstruct and maintain the adjacent sidewalk in good repair (§ 427.90); pay for damages including tree roots (city page).
What does the city cover in Minneapolis, MN?
The City inspects, mails a repair notice (21+ days), performs the repair, then bills the owner (10% admin, capped $50) or specially assesses it.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Minneapolis, MN?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
What is this based on for Minneapolis, MN?
This verdict is sourced to Minneapolis Code § 427.90 (owner build/reconstruct/maintain sidewalk; cost assessed) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Minneapolis Code § 427.90 (owner build/reconstruct/maintain sidewalk; cost assessed)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- City of Minneapolis: Sidewalk & Alley Maintenance (owner pays for damages including tree roots)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-27
- Sidewalk repair and replacement (resident guide)official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
Spot an error? Challenge this record
Found an out-of-date code section, a wrong verdict, or a better primary source? Tell us. Corrections that check out are applied, with the change shown in history. That is our standing policy.