SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego announced that it is making it easier for people to make repairs to sidewalks in front of private property on Wednesday. The City is launching the "Safe Sidewalks Program" which would waive permit fees and expedite the repair process.
Starting this year, the program is designed to help homeowners make necessary repairs to sidewalks and save money. Many homeowners are unaware that state law makes them responsible for maintaining sidewalks in front of private property.
“Our team is focused on improving streets and sidewalks across the city, and we want to help property owners by making it as easy as possible to complete these needed repairs,” said Bethany Bezak, Director of the City’s Transportation Department in a press release.
California Highway Code 5610 states that the property owner must keep sidewalks, "...in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property and maintain it in a condition which will not interfere with the public convenience..."
Starting in November 2023, the City of San Diego will notify property owners about issues they have identified with sidewalks. With the Safe Sidewalk Program, fees would be waived for the permits needed to complete repair work. The city said some property owners could save up to $2,100 per project.
In addition, the program would allow property owners to save time and money by going through a self-certification process where they can submit photos or video of completed repairs and at the same time, confirm that a licensed contractor performed the repairs.
The City said there are over 4,500 miles of sidewalks in San Diego and the Transportation Department is charged with maintaining sidewalks at city-owned properties, those damaged by heat expansion, utility work, trees within the right of way, among other reasons.