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Sidewalk Repair

Hazardous Sidewalk Repair Program

Per the City Charter, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks that are adjacent to their property.

The Department of Environmental Services' Bureau of Engineering does assist property owners by repairing hazardous sidewalks the City of Rochester.  Each year, the City concentrates its efforts by focusing on one area of the city, moving between sections in a generally clockwise direction.  Sidewalks are considered potentially hazardous if they pose an obvious tripping hazard (a difference in elevation at the crack or joint of at least 1.5"), or if they are severely deteriorated.  

The City does not replace sidewalks that do not pose a tripping hazard, even if they are slanted, hold water, or are at a bad elevation. 

Download the Map of the areas targeted for spot hazardous sidewalk replacement in 2024.

Sidewalk Webmap 2024

How can I report a hazardous sidewalk?

To find out if a sidewalk qualifies for interim repairs outside its scheduled year:

An inspector will be sent out to decide if the sidewalk qualifies for replacement or not. If it does, the City will then determine if interim repairs are needed until the sidewalk is completely replaced in the future. Most interim repairs consist of either a wedge of asphalt or an overlay of asphalt.