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Default rule and exceptions
Raleigh City Code § 12-1037.1 makes it the duty of every property owner to maintain the abutting sidewalk in good repair and safe condition. Owners/occupants also keep sidewalks clean and clear of snow and ice (§ 12-1037). The City relieves the owner where it finds a right-of-way tree root caused the damage (§ 11-6008).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain the abutting sidewalk in good repair and safe condition (§ 12-1037.1); keep it clean and free of snow, ice, dirt and debris (§ 12-1037). |
| City / public agency | The City assumes repair responsibility where it determines a right-of-way tree trunk or root caused the damage and the owner consents (§ 11-6008). |
| Exceptions | Right-of-way tree-root damage: City relief under § 11-6008. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
It shall be the duty of every property owner in the City to maintain in good repair and safe condition, the sidewalk and driveway abutting his property for the safe passage of pedestrians over the same except as otherwise provided in §7-2008.
It shall be the duty of all occupants or tenants of improved property and of the owners of all vacant property in the City to keep sidewalks, parkways and gutters clean, and to do such cutting, sweeping and scraping as may be necessary to keep such sidewalks clean and free from weeds, grass, snow, ice, dirt and trash, and to render the same passable, comfortable, and sightly
The City determines that the raised, broken, or uneven sidewalk was caused by tree trunks located in the right-of-way or by the roots of said tree; and ... The property owners of tree trunks located partially in the right-of-way, including the roots of said trees, consent to repair or replacement of the sidewalk
City rules rest on state law. Read North Carolina's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Raleigh, NC?
The property owner. Maintain the abutting sidewalk in good repair and safe condition (§ 12-1037.1); keep it clean and free of snow, ice, dirt and debris (§ 12-1037).
What does the city cover in Raleigh, NC?
The City assumes repair responsibility where it determines a right-of-way tree trunk or root caused the damage and the owner consents (§ 11-6008).
Are there exceptions in Raleigh, NC?
Right-of-way tree-root damage: City relief under § 11-6008.
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Raleigh, NC?
City relief for sidewalks raised or broken by right-of-way tree trunks/roots (§ 11-6008). No general repair rebate.
What is this based on for Raleigh, NC?
This verdict is sourced to Raleigh City Code § 12-1037.1 (owner duty to maintain sidewalk in good repair) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Raleigh City Code § 12-1037.1 (owner duty to maintain sidewalk in good repair)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Raleigh City Code § 12-1037 (owner/occupant duty to keep sidewalks clean and clear of snow/ice)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Sec. 11-6008. City Responsibility for Sidewalk Repair and/or Replacement of Sidewalks Raised, Broken, Etc.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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