Sidewalk Repair Notices

Background

The Sidewalk Program at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) oversees the maintenance of city sidewalks, curbs, and corners. The program's goal is to ensure all sidewalks are safe and accessible for pedestrians and to help prevent injuries caused by defective sidewalks.

Per city charter—Article 4, Section 9-407—the maintenance of sidewalks and other parts of the frontage are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. This is consistent with cities across the U.S.

After receiving a complaint of hazardous sidewalk conditions, PBOT inspectors investigate the specific complaint as well as the conditions of all nearby sidewalks. PBOT then issues a legal affidavit called a Sidewalk Repair Notice, as necessary, to all adjacent and responsible property owners. 

Common reasons for citation

Property owners are cited for sidewalk repair for the following reasons:

Trip hazard

Sidewalks with a vertical step separation equal to one-half inch or more, as in rough illustration below:

View full size image of Rough illustration showing a vertical separation of two sections of sidewalk, with an arrow pointing to a separation, outlined in red.

Openings or cracks

Sidewalks with openings, cracks, or gaps in the sidewalk equal to one-half an inch or wider, as in rough illustration below:

View full size image of Rough illustration showing a gap in the sidewalk, with an arrow pointing to the gap, outlined in red.

Spalling

Sidewalks where the surface is chipped or deteriorated to a depth of one-half of an inch or more, as in rough illustration below:

View full size image of Rough illustration showing an example of spalling in the sidewalk, with an arrow pointing to the gap, outlined in red.

Obstructed sidewalks

If your notice includes areas of obstructed sidewalk, these must be cleared before obtaining a permit for sidewalk repair. Call for a reinspection after clearing the obstruction. If all obstructions have been cleared satisfactorily, you will be sent a revised notice detailing the areas of hazardous sidewalk. Permit fees are based on the square footage of repairs so this process will reduce the cost.

Making repairs yourself

Adjacent property owners may repair the sidewalk themselves, hire a contractor, or allow the city to make repairs and bill you. In the event timely repairs are not made, PBOT will hire a private contractor to make the repairs, then bill the property owner for the cost. Portland City Code allows 60 days for repairing the sidewalk after receiving a notice. Property owners should receive a reminder notice about 30 days after the initial notice. 

PBOT’s Sidewalk Repair Manual provides guidance on repairing sidewalks yourself:

PBOT’s Sidewalk Repair standard detail provides a reference for design and construction by property owners:

For repairs by the property owner, or a contractor hired by the property owner, it may be possible to make minimal repairs. These repairs still require prior approval, but may lower the cost.

Obtaining permits

Sidewalk repair requires a permit. Use the following application form:

PBOT Mandated Sidewalk Repair Permit form

This form is still hosted on the city’s old website. You will need a PortlandOregon.gov account. Contact 503-823-1711 for assistance if this option will not work for you and/or you need an accommodation.

Permit fees are reviewed annually and are based on the square footage of sidewalk, driveway, and lineal feet of curb to be repaired. Permit fees are based on the square footage of sidewalk and driveway and linear foot of curb. Rates are updated every fiscal year, starting July 1. 

Rates effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, are as follows, with a $105 minimum and $788 maximum cost:

• $2.10 per square foot of sidewalk and driveway
• $3.15per linear foot of curb

For up-to-date costs, visit Fee Schedules: Building Permit Costs, Trade Permit Costs and Other PP&D Fees and download the Transportation Review Fee Schedule.

Hiring a contractor

The city recommends withholding final or full payment to the contractor until the work passes a final inspection. The contractor should be able to provide a record of final inspection. If not, call 503-823-1711.

City-made repairs

If you receive a sidewalk repair notice and do not make repairs after 60 days, the city will hire a contractor and bill you. Alternatively, you may proactively request the city make the repairs.

For sidewalk repair, the city will only make full square replacements (no grinding or partial square replacement). This may make city repairs more expensive. All work performed by the city or their contractors is guaranteed for two years unless there is subsequent damage to the sidewalk due to tree roots. 

Financing options

If the city or its contractors make repairs, financing is available. Assessments up to $2,500 include financing term options of five or 10 years. Assessments over $2,500 include financing term options for five, 10 or 20 years. The city will include a loan contract with your assessment. Contact the city’s Revenue Division Liens Section at 503-823-4090 or email liens@portlandoregon.gov for more information.