Sidewalk Repair in San Diego

Inside the City of San Diego, report a raised, cracked or broken sidewalk with Get It Done, using the Sidewalk form or the Get It Done San Diego app. The City says the best way is to take pictures and send them in, because the photos help crews understand the extent of the problem and its exact location.

• The exact location. Put the pin on the damaged panel, and give the nearest address.
• Photos of the uplift or break, ideally one close up and one that shows the surroundings.
• Urgent hazard? Call the City's Street Division at 619-527-7500. For an emergency, call 911.

Outside the City (unincorporated areas or other cities such as Chula Vista or Escondido), contact that agency instead. For other kinds of problems, see our guide to reporting a problem to the City of San Diego.

The form says the estimates use data from the last 90 days, seasonal trends and staff knowledge. The City's list of estimated timeframes, last updated May 7, 2026, gave 60 days for mitigation and 8+ years for permanent repairs. According to the City, the steps are:

1. Review. City staff, a Public Works Supervisor or crew lead, visit to verify the problem.
2. Temporary repair. Crews smooth the uplift with an asphalt ramp or patch, or close the sidewalk if the damage is extensive. The City does this regardless of who is responsible for the sidewalk.
3. Responsibility. Staff decide whether the permanent repair is the City's or the adjacent property owner's.
4. Permanent repair. If it is the City's, the location goes on a list for sidewalk slicing or replacement, depending on how bad the damage is. If it is the owner's, it goes on a list for a letter telling the owner to make the repair.

The City also handles sidewalk repairs near private property when a larger street project is already planned for the area, and has contractors installing curb ramps that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act. The City's sidewalk page says residents use more than 4,500 miles of sidewalk citywide.

This is the part that surprises most people. The City says California Streets and Highways Code sections 5610 to 5629 require property owners to maintain the sidewalk in front of their property, even though the sidewalk is in the City right-of-way. The City's Council Policy 200-12 makes the City responsible for certain kinds of damage:

The City is also responsible for curbs, gutters, storm drain inlets and other concrete that serves the general public. Some sidewalk damage comes from tree roots, and the City says keeping trees in the public right-of-way healthy, including regular watering, can limit the spread of damaging roots.

If the City decides the permanent repair is yours, it mails a letter telling you so. The City's sidewalk page calls it a Notice of Responsibility; its process sheet calls it a Notice of Liability, sent by Code Compliance Officers. The owner then gets a permit and has the repair done.

• A permit is required. The City says the Safe Sidewalk Program Fee Holiday ended on July 1, 2026, and a Right-of-Way Permit is now required for all sidewalk repairs.
• Small jobs have a faster track. Under Information Bulletin 165, removing and replacing up to 150 linear feet of existing curb, gutter and sidewalk qualifies for Minor Right-of-Way Rapid Review. Fees are set in Information Bulletin 502 and paid when the permit is issued.
• Why fix it. The City says an owner may incur civil liability for someone's injury or property damage where the owner caused or created the defective condition. That is the City's summary, not legal advice.

Think the damage was caused by a parkway tree, a water main break or City utility work? Those are the City's responsibility under Council Policy 200-12, so raise it with the Street Division (619-527-7500, street_service@sandiego.gov) before you pay for a repair.