Who Is Responsible for the Sidewalk in Front of Your Lubbock House?

You spent a ton on the house. You pay all of the property taxes. You take care of the grass.

But...the sidewalk out front? The one with all the cracks and chunks missing? That's the city's problem, right?

Not necessarily.

Who Is Responsible for the Sidewalk in Front of Your Lubbock Home?

a tree on a sidewalk near a tree

According to Lubbock's city code, when a sidewalk becomes defective, hazardous, or unsafe, the property owner whose property abuts the sidewalk may be responsible for fixing it. If the City of Lubbock orders repairs, the property owner may be required to fix the sidewalk on their own dime.

So...

If your sidewalk looks like a T-Rex came trucking through the neighborhood, full speed, or if it seems to have some kind of beef with a nearby tree root, don't automatically assume the city is going to come repair it.

Read More: How Many Dogs Can You Legally Have in Lubbock?

Along with sidewalks, there are also rules for curbs, driveways, and parkways. The city can drop off a notice and an order for work to be done if they deem it necessary. And, according to city code, if you don't make the repairs they are asking for, you could face a misdemeanor.

What!? A Misdemeanor? But What If I Didn't Damage It?

the crack in the concrete shows a crack in the road

Well, that's the fun part...

You don't actually have to be the person who caused the damage to be the person responsible for fixing it. I know. Kinda blows. But the city's rule is totally focused on the property that touches the sidewalk.

Before you start mixing concrete and YouTubing "How The Hell Do I Fix A Sidewalk?", keep in mind the city regulates construction and repairs to the sidewalk, including city specifications and permits. Basically, you've got to have permission to repair it and comply with the guidelines. If you're anything like me, your best bet is hiring someone else to do the work for you. I'd only make things worse...

So guys, that innocent-looking crack you've been stepping over to save your poor mother's back could actually be more than an eyesore. It could be your next home repair job.

Doesn't look so innocent anymore...

Click here to review Lubbock Code - Sidewalk Maintenance by Property Owner.