# Tree-Root Sidewalk Damage in Minneapolis, MN: Who Pays? | Who Pays the Repair?

> In Minneapolis the owner pays for sidewalk repair including tree-root damage, even though the Park Board owns the boulevard trees.

**Who pays:** owner

Minneapolis: the owner pays for sidewalk repair including tree-root damage, even though the Park Board owns the boulevard trees.

**Boundary:** 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.

**Property owner:** Construct, reconstruct and maintain the adjacent sidewalk in good repair (§ 427.90); pay for damages including tree roots (city page).

**City / 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.

## Sources
- [Minneapolis Code § 427.90 (owner build/reconstruct/maintain sidewalk; cost assessed)](https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT17STSI_CH427INGE_ARTIGE_427.90OWBURESI) — "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." (accessed 2026-09-09)
- [City of Minneapolis: Sidewalk & Alley Maintenance (owner pays for damages including tree roots)](https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/housing/property-maintenance/sidewalk-alley/sidewalk-alley-maintenance/) — "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" (accessed 2026-09-27)
- [Sidewalk repair and replacement (resident guide)](https://www.minneapolismn.gov/media/-www-content-assets/documents/Sidewalk-repair-and-replacement.pdf) — "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." (accessed 2026-09-27)

_Last verified 2026-09-09. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/minneapolis-mn-tree-roots/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._