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
Reno Administrative Code § 12.20.005 (following Nevada Revised Statute 278.02313) makes the abutting owner responsible for repairing or reconstructing the sidewalk ONLY where the owner caused the need, plus general maintenance (sweeping, removal of snow, ice and weeds). Ordinary deterioration the owner did not cause falls to the City.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Repair/reconstruct the abutting sidewalk only if the owner caused the need; perform general maintenance, sweeping and removal of snow, ice and weeds (§ 12.20.005). |
| City / public agency | The City bears repair of ordinary deterioration the owner did not cause; the Director of Public Works issues repair-need notices (§ 12.20.010). |
| Exceptions | Owner repair compelled only where the owner caused the need (NRS 278.02313). |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
It shall be the duty of the owner of any property along which any curb, gutter, sidewalk, or trail has been constructed to maintain the same in good repair and safe condition ... in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute 278.02313 (d) ... Specifically, the owner shall be responsible for: (i) The repair and reconstruction of a sidewalk in the public right-of-way that abuts the property of the owner if the owner caused the need for such repair or reconstruction. (ii) The general maintenance of a sidewalk ... including, without limitation, sweeping, removal of snow, ice and weeds
Upon determination by the director of public works or his designee that certain curbs, gutters, sidewalks or trails in the city are in need of repair, reconstruction or rehabilitation, the director of public works shall prepare a written notice of the specific violations associated with the curbs, gutters, sidewalks or trails in question.
City rules rest on state law. Read Nevada's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Reno, NV?
Responsibility is shared. Repair/reconstruct the abutting sidewalk only if the owner caused the need; perform general maintenance, sweeping and removal of snow, ice and weeds (§ 12.20.005).
Are there exceptions in Reno, NV?
Owner repair compelled only where the owner caused the need (NRS 278.02313).
What is this based on for Reno, NV?
This verdict is sourced to Reno Administrative Code § 12.20.005 (owner repairs only if owner caused need; general maintenance) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Reno Administrative Code § 12.20.005 (owner repairs only if owner caused need; general maintenance)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Reno Administrative Code § 12.20.010 (Director determination and notice of needed repair)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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.