Property owners are responsible for sidewalks located on all sides of their property.

Depending on your property, you may be responsible for sidewalk in front, on the sides, and along the back of your home or business.

If you live in a Homeowners Association (HOA):

• Your HOA may assume responsibility for sidewalk maintenance, but each HOA has different rules.
• These agreements between a homeowner and a HOA may not remove you from responsibilities for sidewalk maintenance outlined in the Municipal Code or liability, if an injury occurs.
• Contact your HOA with questions.

As a property owner, you are responsible for inspecting your sidewalks and repairing damage.

Look for panels that:

• Are lifted one quarter of an inch or more above the next panel
• Are cracked, have broken panels, or are missing pieces that may create a safety hazard

Repair Notice

The City will mark any identified sidewalk defects with white paint and notify the property owner of the needed repair. 

If sidewalk is raised more than one inch or significantly cracked or broken, a full panel replacement is needed.

Please note, the City does not allow ramping, a repair that adds an epoxy mortar ramp between panels. This is a short-term fix that lasts only three to six months.

Obtain a Permit

Property owners are required to obtain a free Right-Of-Way Permit before starting sidewalk repair. 

If the property owner chooses to hire a contractor, their information must be included on the permit. The City is not allowed to recommend a contractor for the repair work. 

How are most sidewalk hazards identified?
The majority of sidewalk trip hazards are reported to the City by community members who frequently travel the area. On average we receive 20-30 complaints per year from neighborhoods regarding their sidewalks. These complaints trigger the notification process.

What happens after a potential trip hazard is identified? 
The City responds to the complaint by inspecting the site and notifies the adjacent property owner of the trip hazard. From the time a property owner is notified by the city of the trip hazard until it is properly repaired, the property owner is liable for any injuries or damage to another related to the identified trip hazard.

Why is there a 60 day timeframe for repairs?
The 60 day timeframe is set so that if the repairs are not complete and we have not heard from the property owner at the end of 60 days, we are able to proceed with making the repairs and charge the homeowner. This approach ensures that the trip hazard is repaired in a timely manner for the safety of the community.

What if a property owner needs more than the 60 day timeframe to complete all repairs?
We understand that there are reasons a property owner may not be able to comply with the 60 day timeframe required by the City code for performing sidewalk repairs. The City is flexible in these cases and asks that property owners contact us to agree upon an extended timeframe. 

Yes, property owners can replace the damaged sidewalk panels and do not need to be licensed contractors.  A free permit is required so that we can inspect the work to ensure it meets safety requirements. The permit insurance requirement is waived for individual property owners (homeowner insurance is deemed sufficient). Date markers in the Downtown Historic District must be retained and replaced

What if I want the City to help me make the repairs? 
Property owners have the option for the City to include their sidewalk repairs in a city-led contract. The prices for these contracts can vary, and sometimes the prices may be higher for the work because the City is required to pay prevailing wages per Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) regulations. 

Are their options for financing the repairs?
Yes, please contact us to learn more about your options.

Snow and Ice

Property owners or tenants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks, according to Hillsboro Municipal Code 6.16.010:

• Remove snow from sidewalks within eight hours of daylight after snow has fallen
• Remove ice, or properly cover ice with sand, ashes, or other suitable material to assure safe travel within eight hours of daylight after the ice has formed
• Prevent snow and ice that has accumulated on buildings from falling onto streets and sidewalks 

If you do not remove ice or snow from your sidewalk and someone is injured, you could be found liable. 

Vegetation

Property owners are also required to:

• Trim or remove tree limbs or vegetation over sidewalks to the standards outlined in the Hillsboro Municipal Code. Visit the Roadside Tree and Vegetation Care Responsibilities webpage to learn more about all your trimming responsibilities.
• Sweep leaves and remove moss to prevent a slip hazard when wet 

Other Hazards

Keep the sidewalk clear at all times. This is a federal requirement that ensures people who are using strollers or mobility devices will have enough space. Basketball hoops, garbage cans, and other items should not be stored on the sidewalk as they can become an obstacle.

• Read the Hillsboro Municipal Code.
• Obtain a free Right-Of-Way Permit.
• Learn more about property owner roadside tree and vegetation responsibilities.
• Learn more about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Capital Improvement Program.
• Reach out to us at sidewalks@hillsboro-oregon.gov