Blendon Woods Civic Association

Are sidewalks the responsibility of the City or the property owner?

While sidewalks are used by the public, they are normally paid for and maintained by the individual property owner, which may be a homeowner, landlord or business owner. Owners pay for sidewalks by property tax assessment or the real estate developer may have provided the sidewalk, if within a newer subdivision. Developers are now required to provide sidewalks within all new developments. In developments where an addition to an existing building or structure is 50% or more of the original square footage, sidewalks must be added where they do not presently exist.

The property owner is responsible for any needed repairs and other maintenance to sidewalks, such as snow and ice removal. Columbus City Code Section 905.04 establishes the maintenance responsibility to the property owner. To report a sidewalk in poor condition, contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or email: 311@columbus.gov.