Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance

In Salem, both the City and property owners share the responsibility for repairing and maintaining public sidewalks. You can find full details about sidewalk repair and maintenance in Chapter 78 of the Salem Revised Code.

City of Salem Responsibilities

The City of Salem has the following responsibilities:

• Maintain Sidewalks: The City will maintain sidewalks built before 1992 until they meet the City's acceptable standards. After that, the responsibility shifts to the property owner.
• Repair Damage from City Trees: The City will repair sidewalks if a City-owned tree causes damage.
• Maintain Corner Curb Ramps: The City is responsible for keeping all corner curb ramps in good condition.

Reporting a Damaged Sidewalk

To report a sidewalk that needs repair or maintenance, contact Public Works Dispatch by phone at 503-588-6311, or by email.

When submitting a report online, please include:

• Location: Address or hundred block and street name
• Nearest Cross Street
• Description of the Damage
• Photo of the Damage (if you have one)
• Any Additional Information
• Your Name
• Your Phone Number
• Your Email Address

After receiving your report, staff will visit the site to assess the hazard, including missing, broken, or lifted sidewalk sections, spalling concrete, and the slope of the sidewalk. They will also check if the sidewalk is near a park, school, or other busy community services. This assessment helps prioritize sidewalk repair and replacement projects.

Sidewalk Repair Schedule

The scheduling of repair work depends on factors like weather and the complexity of the repair. Therefore, City staff can only provide a general estimate of when work will be completed in a particular neighborhood. Higher-priority or critical repairs can affect the schedule.

When funding is available, the City of Salem may hire a contractor to help improve the sidewalk network to meet acceptable standards.

Property Owner

Responsibilities Property owners have the following responsibilities:

• Maintain Sidewalks: Owners must maintain sidewalks built after 1992 or those certified as meeting City standards.
• Maintain Walkways and Driveways: Owners are responsible for all walkways and driveways between the curb line and the property line.
• Report Dangerous Conditions: Owners should report any dangerous conditions in the sidewalk, including those caused by trees in public rights-of-way.
• Keep Sidewalks Clear: Owners must keep sidewalks free of construction materials, vehicles, debris, vegetation, snow, and ice at all times.

Requirements for Repairing Sidewalks

As a property owner, you can repair a damaged sidewalk yourself or hire a contractor. However, you need a sidewalk repair permit and a sidewalk closure permit for work in the right-of-way. These permits are free and ensure that the repair work is inspected by the City to meet standards. They can be applied for using the same "Work in Right-of-Way" form.

How to Apply for Permits

You can apply for both sidewalk permits at the same time using one form:

1. Download the Sidewalk Closure Form (Work in Right-of-Way Form).
2. Fill it Out: Include the following information:
   • Your Name
   • Your Phone Number
   • Your Email Address
   • The Date(s) You Want to Close the Sidewalk Repair
   • Reason for Sidewalk Closure: Repair

You can submit the information by mail, email, or in person. If you have questions, feel free to call.

For more information about sidewalk closures and to download the Work in Right-of-Way Form, visit the Apply for a Work in Public Right-of-Way Permit page.

A permit specialist will process your request and provide additional information, including how to schedule an inspection. Instead of calling a sidewalk repair hotline, contact the Public Works Department to learn more about the permits needed for sidewalk repairs and how to obtain them.