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Default rule and exceptions
The abutting owner has the general sidewalk-repair duty (Raleigh City Code § 12-1037.1), but the City relieves the owner of repairing a sidewalk raised, broken or made uneven by the trunk or roots of a tree located in the public right-of-way (§ 11-6008), once the City finds or is notified of the condition.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain the abutting sidewalk in good repair generally (§ 12-1037.1), except where a right-of-way tree caused the damage. |
| City / public agency | The City repairs sidewalks raised/broken/uneven from a right-of-way tree trunk or roots, and its Urban Forester decides on tree/root treatment (§ 11-6008). |
| Exceptions | Right-of-way tree trunk/root damage: City relieves the owner and repairs (§ 11-6008). |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
Private properties will be relieved from the responsibility of sidewalk repair and replacement of sidewalks raised, broken or otherwise made uneven by tree trunks located in whole or in part in the public right-of-way under the following conditions: (1) The City receives either written notice or finds that conditions described in the above paragraph exist; and (2) 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
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.
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 tree roots in Raleigh, NC?
Responsibility is shared. Maintain the abutting sidewalk in good repair generally (§ 12-1037.1), except where a right-of-way tree caused the damage.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Raleigh, NC?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Raleigh, NC?
Right-of-way tree trunk/root damage: City relieves the owner and repairs (§ 11-6008).
Is there any cost help for tree roots in Raleigh, NC?
City repairs ROW-tree-damaged sidewalk under § 11-6008 (owner must consent and hold the City harmless as to the tree).
What is this based on for Raleigh, NC?
This verdict is sourced to Raleigh City Code § 11-6008 (City relief for right-of-way tree-root sidewalk damage) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Raleigh City Code § 11-6008 (City relief for right-of-way tree-root sidewalk damage)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Raleigh City Code § 12-1037.1 (owner baseline duty to maintain sidewalk)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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