Sidewalks in SF: What Owners Must Repair

Think the City fixes every broken sidewalk in San Francisco? In most cases, you do not. As a property owner, you are usually responsible for the hardscape fronting your parcel, and missing a notice can lead to fines or liens. This guide shows you exactly what you must repair, when permits are required, how the inspection program works, and smart ways to budget so you stay ahead of citations. Let’s dive in.

What owners must repair in SF

Owner responsibility at a glance

San Francisco generally places sidewalk upkeep on the adjacent property owner. You are expected to maintain the walk surface and address hazards that form in front of and along your lot. Typical items include:

• Concrete sidewalk slabs and joints
• Tripping hazards such as uneven slabs or cracks that create differential elevation
• Transitions and curb ramps that are part of the sidewalk fronting your parcel, subject to city accessibility programs
• Repairs tied to private improvements connected to your property, such as driveway approaches or private steps that encroach

Street trees are usually under City jurisdiction, but if roots or tree-related conditions affect the sidewalk, you will often coordinate with the City before work begins. In short, if the condition creates a hazard along your frontage, expect to be part of the solution.

Exceptions and City responsibilities

The City retains responsibility for certain major infrastructure issues. Examples include significant curb, gutter, or sanitary sewer failures, as well as work bundled into City capital projects. In some cases, the City may complete repairs and bill the owner, or require you to perform the work through its enforcement program. If you are unsure who is responsible, contact San Francisco Public Works for case-specific direction.

How inspections and notices work

What triggers an inspection

Sidewalk conditions are reviewed through the City’s inspection and enforcement program. Inspections can be part of routine schedules, complaint-driven through 311, triggered by construction activity, or initiated after public reports. City staff record defects they find and move the process forward.

What the notice includes and timelines

If a hazardous or non-compliant condition is identified, you will receive a formal notice. The notice describes the defect, outlines required actions, and sets deadlines. It also explains whether permits are required and includes information about appeal rights. Timelines can vary with defect severity and current policy. Respond promptly to avoid fines, liens, or the City doing the work and billing you.

Appeals and coordination

You can appeal or request a reevaluation if you believe the issue is not your responsibility or the condition was cited in error. Follow the procedures and deadlines listed in the notice. When tree roots or canopy work are involved, coordinate with the appropriate City tree agency before taking action. Avoid removing or altering City trees without authorization.

When a permit is required

Common permit triggers

Many sidewalk repairs require permits, especially when you work within the public right of way. Common triggers include:

• Full or partial sidewalk replacement
• Curb ramp construction or alteration
• Work that affects street trees or tree roots
• Changes that alter drainage patterns
• Any construction within the sidewalk, curb, or gutter

Even temporary protections, such as ramps or traffic control, may require coordination.

Permit types you may need

• Encroachment or Public Works permits for work in the right of way, including sidewalks, curbs, and gutters
• Tree work approvals if your repair affects a street tree’s root zone or canopy; tree removal has separate review and may be restricted
• ADA compliance checks for any changes to ramps or sidewalk geometry, including detectable warnings and slope standards
• Utility or sewer permits if work interferes with underlying systems

How the permit process works

Plan ahead for submittals, review, and inspections. You typically provide plans or details to Public Works showing the repair scope, construction methods, pedestrian protections, and how ADA requirements will be met. City inspectors review work during and after construction. A final sign-off closes the permit and helps prevent future enforcement.

Typical repairs and what affects cost

Common repair scopes

• Spot repairs, such as grinding or small patching to remove a trip hazard
• Partial panel replacement when several adjacent slabs have failed
• Full-width replacement when deterioration is widespread or ADA ramp work is needed
• Curb ramp installation or upgrades to current accessibility standards
• Root management paired with sidewalk work when street trees have lifted slabs

Cost factors to consider

While actual prices vary, several elements influence your budget:

• Scope and extent of repair, spot fixes versus full replacement
• Need for curb ramp or other ADA upgrades
• Street tree protections or mitigation requirements
• Permit and inspection fees, plus potential plan review
• Site constraints such as narrow frontages, driveways, or multi-owner frontage
• Contractor availability and local material costs
• City-performed repairs that include administrative or collection costs

Smart budgeting for owners and buyers

Build a contingency for sidewalk, curb, and driveway work into your maintenance plan. If you are buying, walk the frontage and look for raised slabs, wide cracks, or extensive patching. Ask the seller for recent notices, permits, or inspection records. If conditions look questionable, get a quote from a local sidewalk contractor familiar with Public Works permits. If you receive a notice, start the permit process early to avoid fines or City-performed repairs billed to your property.

Step-by-step if you receive a notice

1. Read the notice carefully. Note the defect description, required actions, deadlines, and appeal instructions.
2. Contact Public Works to confirm responsibility, scope, and permit needs.
3. If a street tree is involved, coordinate with the City tree agency before taking any action.
4. Request quotes from licensed contractors who regularly work on SF sidewalks and understand DPW permits.
5. Apply for required permits as soon as possible. Schedule inspections in advance.
6. Keep records, including permits and final sign-offs, to show compliance and avoid repeat citations.

Due diligence tips for buyers and sellers

Before listing or buying

Sellers can reduce risk by addressing sidewalk hazards before going to market. Buyers should verify whether any notices exist or if the frontage shows signs of movement, cracking, or displacement. A short site walk with a contractor can clarify likely scope.

Records and disclosures

Ask for copies of any sidewalk notices, open permits, or citations during disclosures. Consider a municipal records check to identify outstanding notices or liens tied to sidewalk repairs.

Consequences of ignoring a notice

• The City may complete the repair and bill the owner, potentially with administrative costs
• Fines or citations can accumulate when deadlines are missed
• Unresolved issues may lead to liens on the property
• Repeat noncompliance increases financial exposure and delay

Key contacts and programs in SF

• San Francisco Public Works, the primary agency for sidewalk inspections, permitting, and enforcement
• San Francisco 311, for reporting hazards or checking complaint status
• City tree programs, including the unit that oversees street trees and root-related repairs
• Public Works permit and inspection offices for application requirements, submittal details, fees, and scheduling

A practical path forward

Sidewalk stewardship is part of owning property in San Francisco. If you plan to sell, addressing hazards up front can streamline escrow and protect value. If you are buying, a quick review of the frontage and records can help you budget with confidence. With a clear plan for permitting, contractor selection, and City coordination, you can resolve issues efficiently and reduce the chance of fines or liens.

If you want help prioritizing pre-listing repairs, setting a realistic budget, or coordinating quotes as part of a broader property plan, reach out. We blend market guidance with design and construction fluency so you can move forward with clarity. Let’s connect, start a plan, and keep your timeline on track.

Ready to talk through your property’s sidewalk responsibilities and next steps? Contact Unknown Company.

FAQs

Who pays for sidewalk repairs in San Francisco?

• In most cases, the adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalk fronting their parcel.

Do I need a permit to fix a cracked SF sidewalk?

• Permits are typically required for work in the public right of way, including partial or full slab replacement, curb ramp work, and repairs affecting drainage or street trees.

How long do I have to make repairs after a notice?

• The deadline is set in your City notice and varies by defect and policy. Read it carefully and act quickly to avoid fines or City-performed work billed to you.

What if tree roots lifted my sidewalk?

• Coordinate with the City before starting work. Street trees are usually City-managed, and repairs that affect roots or canopy often need separate approvals.

Can the City repair the sidewalk and bill me?

• Yes. If you do not comply, the City can perform the work, add administrative costs, and bill or place a lien on the property.

How can buyers check for sidewalk issues before closing?

• Ask for any recent notices, permits, or citations, do a visual walk of the frontage, and consider a contractor review or municipal records check to uncover outstanding items.