Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair Ordinance

On March 4, 2015, the Martinez City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 1384, adding a “Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair” chapter to the City’s Municipal Code. The primary purpose of the Ordinance is to affirm that fronting property owners are responsible for repair and maintenance of sidewalk areas adjoining their property. The Ordinance also establishes clear legal liability to property owners for injuries or damages to third parties as a result of failing to maintain safe and non-dangerous sidewalks.

To provide assistance to property owners with sidewalk defects in need of repair, the Martinez City Council adopted a Sidewalk Repair Cost Sharing Reimbursement Program. This program provides a reimbursement of your sidewalk repair expense of 50% (up to a maximum of $500, or if on a corner lot with work on both frontages, 50% of cost up to $1,000).

Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so, please contact us immediately to arrange for your participation.

Reporting a Damaged Sidewalk

Report dangerous or damaged sidewalks online through Martinez City Assist.  Select "Sidewalk" under the "Streets" category and include the following information under Location: Nearest address, street name, street location between two cross streets, and which side of the street the sidewalk defect is located on.

Note: Alternatively, you can report a dangerous or damaged sidewalk by contacting the Engineering Division at 925-372-3515 or by email at engineering@cityofmartinez.org and providing the same information listed above.

Repairing a Damaged Sidewalk

Sidewalk repairs should be started as soon as damage is detected.  As a reminder, prior to making any repairs, you must obtain an Encroachment Permit from the City's Engineering Division.  There will be a Refundable Deposit to be returned to the applicant upon completion of the repairs to city standards.

Encroachment Permit
Sidewalk Repair Program