Sacramento County has a sidewalk repair program in place to prioritize repair and replacement work as funding allows.
Repair Responsibility
Single Family and Duplex Residential Properties
Single family and duplex residential properties are referred to as “Residential” properties. The fronting property owner is responsible for sidewalk repair per state law (Streets and Highways Code, Section 5610). County repairs are limited and based on available funding. Qualifying locations for repair are added to the Sidewalk Repair List. Usually, a damaged location meets one of these conditions to qualify for repair: (1) a vertical sidewalk displacement of 3/4 inch or more or (2) a gutter with more than 1 inch of standing water for more than 10 feet. The Sidewalk Repair List is prioritized based on the severity of the damage, time on the Sidewalk Repair List, and estimated level of pedestrian usage. A repair project may focus on a street block or geographical area for economic efficiency. There are about 7,000 locations on the Sidewalk Repair List.
All Other Properties (Other Than Single Family and Duplex Residential Properties)
All other properties other than single family and duplex residential properties are referred to as “Commercial” properties. Per state law (Streets and Highways Code, Section 5610) and County policy, the property owner is responsible for repairing curb, gutter, and sidewalk locations fronting their “Commercial” property that meet the Repair Criteria. The property owner is notified by mail of their repair responsibility when qualifying locations are reported.
Temporary Repairs
A "temporary repair" is usually a ramp of asphalt placed on the defective curb, gutter, or sidewalk to eliminate a sidewalk displacement, gutter depression, and so on. A temporary repair using asphalt is not considered a permanent repair. All sidewalks within the County right-of-way, regardless of who is responsible for the repair, are eligible for temporary repairs. SACDOT maintenance staff may also perform other maintenance activities, if possible, such as grinding the sidewalk, grooving the gutter, and so on. to temporarily repair (or in some cases permanently repair) damaged curb, gutter, or sidewalk.
New Sidewalk Requests
The unincorporated area of Sacramento County has over $318 million of pedestrian infrastructure needs, including missing sidewalk segments.
New sidewalks will be constructed to fill existing gaps based on available funding and the PMP priority guidelines. When a request for a new sidewalk segment is received, the location is documented, prioritized based on the PMP, and added to a future project list for consideration when funding becomes available.
To request a new sidewalk segment(s) in your neighborhood please submit a request online at Sacramento County 311 and go to “Request Services Online” in the right hand menu.
New Curb Ramp Requests
The ADA Transition Plan provides guidelines and identifies locations for the removal of physical barriers in the public right-of-way within the unincorporated County that prohibit access for the disabled community. An example of a physical barrier is the lack of a curb ramp(s) at a street corner. A curb ramp (see photo) allows a wheelchair to access a street crosswalk from the sidewalk.
Many considerations can be involved in the installation of a curb ramp that can greatly influence the installation schedule and cost, such as the need for obtaining additional right-of-way. Curb ramps are installed at intersections in the unincorporated County based on usage and as funding permits. When a request for curb ramps is received, the location is documented, and added to a future project list to be considered when funding becomes available.
Additional Information
Call 311 or 875-4311 or report online at https://311.saccounty.gov.