Sidewalks

Whose responsibility?

Who is responsible for fixing a broken, lifted, sunken or otherwise hazardous sidewalks in the City of Hanford? The answer may surprise you. Since 1941, the California Streets and Highways Code has placed the responsibility to maintain public sidewalks on the adjacent property owners. Accordingly, Hanford Municipal Code 12.20 (Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks) states:

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an owner of a lot or portion of a lot adjacent to or fronting any portion of a sidewalk area or on which a sidewalk area is located shall maintain and repair the sidewalk so that it remains a safe and non-dangerous condition at his/her/its sole cost and expense.

Nevertheless, residents are encouraged to contact the City to report a broken sidewalk or tripping hazard. The easiest way to do so is by submitting a request through My Hanford. 

How does the City get involved?

Once the City receives a report about a defective sidewalk, crews from the Public Works Department assess the site. If they are able to, crews will attempt to resolve the issue by performing "grinding" work (at no cost to the adjacent property owner). If grinding is not feasible, crews will inform the City's Code Compliance Division of the defective sidewalk and the Code Compliance then provides written notice to the adjacent property owner. What typically happens next is the demolition and removal of the sidewalk by City crews (also at no cost to the property owner). However, the replacement of the sidewalk must be performed by the property owner, pursuant to Municipal Code 12.20.30. A City encroachment permit is required. Property owners may apply for one on the City's Self-Service platform.

The city will assess the extent of damage upon learning of an alleged defective sidewalk. The city will, at its own cost, grind the defective sidewalk to eliminate the hazard if grinding is feasible. If grinding will not eliminate the hazard, the city shall, at the city's expense, demolish and remove the defective portion of sidewalk, and the owner will, at the owner's sole cost, replace the portion of sidewalk removed by the city. The city shall, however, provide the services described in this subsection C only if the city determines that: (1) a defective sidewalk exists; and (2) the sidewalk's defective condition was not caused by the intentional misconduct or negligence of the owner or the owner's employee, agent, invitee, or contractor. For purposes of this chapter, damage to a sidewalk by tree roots shall not be deemed to have been caused by the intentional misconduct or negligence of a landowner. If the city reasonably determines that the defective sidewalk was caused by the intentional misconduct or negligence of the owner or the owner's employee, agent, invitee, or contractor, the owner shall be solely responsible for all repair work required to address the hazard.

If a section of defective sidewalk will be replaced to eliminate a hazard, the process to remove the defective sidewalk and install new sidewalk shall be completed within 30 calendar days of the date of the notice given by the city pursuant to Section 12.20.050 below. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the city is responsible for the demolition and removal of defective sidewalk pursuant to this chapter, the landowner must complete the installation of the replacement sidewalk within seven calendar days of the completion of the city's demolition and removal the defective sidewalk.

Still have questions?

Email Public Works Director Russ Sterling.