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Default rule and exceptions
The Philadelphia Code § 11-505 ("Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners") makes the abutting owner responsible for the footway and curb. When the Department of Streets performs sidewalk/curb work, it notifies owners and assesses the cost against abutting owners, capped at 30 percent of the total, with a lien for nonpayment. Snow clearing is an owner/agent/tenant duty (§ 10-720).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Keep the footway and curb in repair (§ 11-505); clear a 36-inch snow path within 6 hours after snowfall ceases (§ 10-720). |
| City / public agency | When the City performs the sidewalk/curb work, abutting-owner assessments are capped at 30 percent of total cost; roadway repaving is fully at City expense (§ 11-505(5)(b),(6)). |
| Exceptions | No exception for sidewalk damage caused by tree roots (Parks & Recreation street tree FAQ). |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 3, 2026.
Whenever the Department of Streets determines that it is necessary to grade, pave, repave, or repair the sidewalks and to set or reset the curb of any public street in the City, it shall give written notice of the Department's intention to have such work done and the provisions of this Section to the owner of the property adjoining which such work is to be done... the surveyor shall assess the cost for sidewalks and curbs against the properties abutting on the sidewalks and curbs in the names of the registered owner, provided that the total of such assessments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total cost of the work... The owner of the adjacent property shall keep the curb in repair.
The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than 36 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall.
Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners
Sidewalks, alleys, driveways, and retaining walls are private property. They belong to the property owner. The City does not own or maintain them. It is the responsibility of owners to maintain them in safe and sanitary conditions.
The Philadelphia Code states that the property owner is responsible for maintaining their sidewalks in a safe condition. There are no exceptions for damage to sidewalks caused by tree roots.
Selected blocks will receive up $100,000 and residents may choose to invest in any of the following improvements:
Certain sidewalk repairs
Only residents in census tracts who make 100% or less of the area median income.
City rules rest on state law. Read Pennsylvania's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Philadelphia, PA?
The property owner. Keep the footway and curb in repair (§ 11-505); clear a 36-inch snow path within 6 hours after snowfall ceases (§ 10-720).
What does the city cover in Philadelphia, PA?
When the City performs the sidewalk/curb work, abutting-owner assessments are capped at 30 percent of total cost; roadway repaving is fully at City expense (§ 11-505(5)(b),(6)).
Are there exceptions in Philadelphia, PA?
No exception for sidewalk damage caused by tree roots (Parks & Recreation street tree FAQ).
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Philadelphia, PA?
Curbside Appeal Program: selected blocks can receive up to $100,000 for improvements that include certain sidewalk repairs. Only residents in census tracts at or below 100% of the area median income are eligible. Separately, when the City itself grades, paves or repairs, the code caps owner assessments at 30 percent of the cost.
What is this based on for Philadelphia, PA?
This verdict is sourced to The Philadelphia Code § 11-505 (sidewalk/curb responsibility; City assessment capped at 30%) and 8 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- The Philadelphia Code § 11-505 (sidewalk/curb responsibility; City assessment capped at 30%)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- The Philadelphia Code § 10-720 (owner/agent/tenant duty to clear snow within 6 hours)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- The Philadelphia Code § 11-505 (sidewalk/curb responsibility; City assessment capped at 30%)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Maintenanceofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Street tree frequently asked questionsofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Curbside Appeal Programofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Curbside Appeal Programofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
- Curbside Appeal Programofficial · verified-official · accessed 2026-10-03
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