Sidewalks
As of July 1, 2026, the Safe Sidewalk Program Fee Holiday has concluded. A Right-of-Way Permit is required for all repairs to sidewalks.
Sidewalks Overview
In San Diego, residents and visitors regularly utilize over 4,5000 miles of sidewalks Citywide. The City of San Diego Transportation Department is responsible for maintenance of sidewalks fronting City-owned property or damage caused by heat expansion, City utility work, grade subsidence and trees within the right-of-way. Normal sidewalk wear and tear, damage caused by private trees, or age damage is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Sidewalk Repair Process
The Transportation Department is notified daily of damaged sidewalk locations through reports on the Get It Done application. After being notified of a potential damaged sidewalk location via Get It Done, City staff review the request to verify the issue, then perform a temporary repair of the damage with an asphalt ramp (or patch) to smooth the transition of the uplift or issue. This temporary sidewalk repair is done by City staff regardless of maintenance responsibility.
After temporarily repairing the issue, City staff determine if the sidewalk is the responsibility of the City or the private property owner to permanently fix. If it is the responsibility of the City to permanently fix the issue, it is put on a list for sidewalk slicing or replacement, depending on the severity of the damage. If the damage is the responsibility of the private property owner, it is placed on a list to notify the property owner of their responsibility via a Notice of Responsibility letter. This process is depicted in the Sidewalk Maintenance Process and FAQs linked below.