Sidewalk FAQs

As with any municipalities, Petaluma addresses sidewalk maintenance and repairs in accordance with California State Safe Streets and Highways Code Section 5610, which states that sidewalk maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.  Petaluma's sidewalk maintenance policy is also addressed in our local municipal code as Petaluma Municipal Code, Chapter 13.10.020, which states that property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of or adjacent to their property in a nonhazardous condition and may also be liable for injuries caused as a result of failure to maintain the sidewalk.

Please note that retroactive reimbursement is not available for sidewalk repairs completed independently-outside of the official 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program and without prior City approval.

Participation in the program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and is subject to annual funding limits.  Only property owners who have submitted a complete application and have been formally accepted into the program are eligible to receive cost-sharing benefits for qualifying repairs.

If program funds are exhausted before your application is processed, your submission will be placed on a waitlist and receive priority consideration when funding is renewed at the start of the next fiscal year on July 1.

If you are unsure whether your planned repair work will qualify for City cost-sharing, we strongly encourage you to contact us before beginning any work.  This ensured your eligibility and helps prevent out-of-pocket expenses that may not reimbursable under the program.

The program assists property owners in repairing hazardous sidewalks by sharing the cost of repairs.  It aims to enhance pedestrian safety and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Petaluma Municipal Code, Chapter 13.10.020 requires property owners to maintain a safe sidewalk in front of or adjacent to their property.  Property owners must repair any area of sidewalk that has potential tripping or falling hazards.

Once the City has been made aware of the potential sidewalk hazards adjacent to your property, the City is obligated to give the property owner a citation notice to repair their sidewalk.

As noted in Petaluma Municipal Code, Chapter 13.10.020, if the City determines a sidewalk requires repair, the City may repair and bill the property owner.

Failure to maintain a safe sidewalk may result in fines, liens on your property, or-in the case of an injury-liability in a lawsuit.

Property owners are required to repair all sidewalk, curb, and gutter sections identified by the City as needing replacement.  Following a City inspection, any sidewalk determined to be a tripping hazard will be clearly marked and documented in the pre-construction inspection survey.

At a minimum, participants must repair all areas identified by the City.  Property owners also have the option to replace additional sections of sidewalk, curb and/or gutter at their own expense.

All work must meet current standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The City will include ADA compliance requirements-such as slope, grade, and surface conditions-in the pre-construction inspection report.

Property owners within the City of Petaluma city limits are eligible to apply.  Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to annual funding levels, which must be approved by the City Council as part of the annual budget process.

If program funds are fully allocated before your application is processed, it will be placed on a priority waitlist for consideration once funding is renewed at the start of the next fiscal year on July 1, pending City Council approval.

To apply, contact the Public Works Department at (707) 778-4303 or email [email protected] .  Please also see Step-by-Step Guide for Residents

Applications are accepted year-round but are subject to funding availability.  Early application is encouraged due to limited annual funds.

To support residents in the care and maintenance of sidewalks, gutters and curbs, the City of Petaluma offers the following reimbursement and fee waiver opportunities:

Up to $2,000 for eligible repair or replacement costs

Up to $800 for a certified arborist report, if required following a City inspection

Encroachment permit fee waiver (a savings of up to $700)

These benefits are available per qualifying project, with a one time total reimbursement cap of $2,800, plus the waived permit fee.  All reimbursements are subject to prior City approval and documentation requirements.

Costs exceeding the program's maximum reimbursement, repairs not identified by the City, and any work done without prior approval are not covered.  Additionally, driveway repairs, repairs on private streets, private sidewalks, private gutters, private curbs, and landscaping or mulch installation costs are ineligible for this program.

Yes, but additional repairs are at the property owner's expense and must meet all City standards.

All sidewalk repairs must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure accessibility and safety for all pedestrians, including individuals with mobility impairments.

Key ADA requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Proper cross slope (maximum of 2%)
• Longitudinal slope consistent with adjacent roadways
• Smooth, stable, and slip-resistant surface
• Proper transitions at curb rams and driveways

For detailed technical requirements, property owners and contractors should refer to:

• The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, available at ADA.gov
• The California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 11B, which includes more specific standards applicable in California
• The City of Petaluma's Engineering Design Standards and Sidewalk Construction Guidelines, available on the City's website or by contacting the Public Works Department

The City will also note any applicable ADA requirements in the pre-construction inspection form provided to applicants.

If a curb ramp is required at a corner, the City will install it and cover the full cost to ensure ADA compliance.

Property owners may hire a licensed contractor of their own choice to perform the sidewalk repairs.  However, to qualify for the program the selected contractor must:

• Obtain all required City permits
• Comply with City construction and ADA standards
• Meet prevailing wage requirements, as mandated by California labor laws
• Provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage, including liability and workers' compensation

It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that their contractor meets all applicable requirements before work begins.  For questions about contractor qualifications or documentation, please contact the Public Works Department.

If a tree is located within the public right-of-way, all decisions regarding the tree-related work associated with sidewalk repairs is required to be made by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

As part of the inspection process, the arborist will evaluate the condition of the tree and determine whether it can withstand root trimming as part of the sidewalk replacement effort.  Based on this evaluation, the arborist may make one of the following determinations:

Tree Cannot Survive Root Trimming

• If the arborist concludes that the tree is unlikely to survive root trimming or must be removed to safely complete the sidewalk replacement the property owner will be required to obtain a Tree Removal Permit in order to proceed.  The City will notify the property owner in advance with details about the necessary steps for permitting and removal.

Tree Can Survive Root Trimming

• If the tree is determined to be healthy enough to remain in place, root trimming can proceed in accordance with the arborist's recommendations.

In some cases, even if a tree can initially survive root trimming, the arborist may recommend its removal if it is likely to cause future sidewalk damage within a few years.

The City is committed to balancing the preservation of our urban forest with the need for safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure.

Participation in the 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Assistance is contingent upon the conditions identified during the City's inspection and, where applicable, a certified arborist's evaluation.

Please note:

• The findings of certified arborist may influence the scope, eligibility, or approval of your sidewalk repair project.
• If the arborist determines that a tree is healthy and structurally sound, the City may require that the remain in place-even if its roots are contributing to sidewalk damage.
• In such cases, sidewalk replacement options may be limited, and the design of the repair may need to accommodate the preservation of the tree.  This may increase the complexity or cost of repairs and may affect the reimbursable scope under the program.
• If the arborist determines that a tree cannot withstand root pruning or must be removed to safely proceed, the City may require additional permitted and documentation prior to authorizing reimbursement.
• Unauthorized tree removal or root disturbance is strictly prohibited may result in denial of reimbursement.
• Tree removal, root pruning, or other tree-related work is not eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Applicants are strongly advised to await City and arborist guidance before initiating any work involving trees or tree roots, to avoid disqualification form the program.

Reimbursements are processed after the City approves the completed work and receives all required documentation.  While the timeline may vary depending on project completion and administrative processing, reimbursements are typically issued within 6 to 8 weeks following approval.

The 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program is a cost-sharing partnership between property owners and the City of Petaluma.  Property owners are responsible for initiating and funding sidewalk repairs, and the City reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $2,000, to support safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure across our community.

City reimbursements are funded through the City of Petaluma General Fund, which is the City's primary operating fund.  The General Fund finances a wide array of essential public services, including public safety, street and sidewalk maintenance, parks and recreation, and community development programs.

By using General Fund resources to reimburse a portion of sidewalk repair costs, the City demonstrates its commitment to creating safe, walkable neighborhoods while supporting property owners in preserving the integrity of public pathways.