It depends on who owns the sidewalk and what the local rules say. A sidewalk on your own property is usually your responsibility, while a sidewalk in the public right-of-way may be handled by the city, the state or the property owner, depending on the local ordinance and the road.
Many homeowners assume the sidewalk by the street belongs to them because it sits in front of their lawn. That isn’t always true. Sorting out ownership first saves time, money and possible permit trouble.
Private Walk or Public Sidewalk?
A path that runs from your driveway to your front door is generally a private walkway on your property. You decide when and how to repair or replace it.
A sidewalk that runs parallel to the street and serves the public is different. It may sit inside a public right-of-way even though it borders your yard. Responsibility for that type of sidewalk can vary from place to place, and some streets are maintained by a city while others are state roads.
How to Find Out in Burlington
The most reliable step is to contact the City of Burlington before doing any work on a sidewalk next to the street. City staff can tell you who maintains that section and whether a permit or specific standards apply. If your property is outside city limits, the answer may involve Alamance County or the state.
Your property survey or plat can also help show where your lot line ends and the right-of-way begins.
Why It Matters Before Work Starts
Work in a public right-of-way can come with requirements for width, slope, joints, curb connections or accessibility. A repair that looks fine on a private walk might not meet the standards required for a public sidewalk. Doing the work without checking first can mean doing it twice.
Utilities are another concern. Water lines, gas lines and cables often run near sidewalks. Any digging should start with a utility locate request, and major excavation is a job for professionals.
What If the Sidewalk Is a Hazard Now?
If a raised or broken section is creating a trip hazard, report it to the responsible party as soon as you know who that is. In the meantime, marking the spot can help warn visitors.
When the sidewalk is your responsibility, the next step is figuring out the cause. Lifted panels, sunken sections and crumbling edges each call for a different approach. Our concrete sidewalk services start with an on-site look at the slab, drainage and nearby trees so the work matches the problem.
Once you’ve confirmed who is responsible, we’re happy to look at the sidewalk at your Burlington property and explain the options for repair or replacement.
Leave a Reply