Sidewalk repairs in Colfax: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Colfax Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Colfax's code says

Colfax code What Colfax's code adds
If the owner does not repair	The city may repair the sidewalk and bill the owner for the work plus administrative and inspection costs. Applies: If the bill is unpaid 30 days after receipt, the city may start a special assessment on the fronting parcel. § 12.24.120 · code text If the owner has not provided payment thirty (30) days after receipt of an invoice for the work provided by the city for repair of a defective sidewalk, the finance department may initiate proceedings to make the cost of the work performed by the city a special assessment against the parcel(s) of property fronting the repaired sidewalk(s).
City help	An owner facing severe financial hardship may pay in installments or add the cost to the property tax roll. Applies: The director must accept the hardship; if the owner breaks the agreement, the city may collect after 10 days' written notice. § 12.24.120 · code text If the owner fails to perform the agreement, then the city shall have the right to collect the costs in the amount then owing after ten (10) days' written notice is given to the owner.
Deadline to repair	Start repairs within 90 days, then finish without interruption. Applies: Counted from when the owner chooses to repair or the second notice is served, whichever comes first. § 12.24.100 · code text The owner shall commence the repairs required by the notice to repair within ninety (90) days after the owner elects either to perform the repairs as outlined in Section 12.24.090 E, or within ninety (90) days after service of the second notice, whichever occurs first.
Who must repair it	The owner must maintain and repair any defective sidewalk in front of the lot, even when tree roots caused it. § 12.24.020 · code text An owner shall maintain and repair any defective sidewalk fronting such owner's lot, lots or portion of a lot. Where a defective sidewalk is caused in whole or in part by a tree root or roots, the owner shall nevertheless have the duty to repair the sidewalk. The city repairs sidewalk damage caused only by a city tree. Applies: The owner tells the director in writing, and the director finds a city tree alone caused the damage. § 12.24.020 · code text If the director determines that all or a portion of the damage to the sidewalk was caused solely by a city tree, the city shall repair the damage to the sidewalk caused by the city tree. The city repairs sidewalk damage caused only by the city. Applies: The owner tells the director, and the director finds the city alone caused the damage. § 12.24.020 · code text If the director determines that all or a portion of the damage to the sidewalk was caused solely by the city, the city shall repair the damage to the sidewalk caused by the city. The director may waive the repair duty. Applies: Corner lots with a heavier burden, such as more than one sidewalk or ADA ramps; decided case by case. § 12.24.020 · code text For properties on comer lots which may have an increased burden (e.g., more than one sidewalk; American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for special ramps/treatment), sidewalk repair will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the director may waive the requirement to repair. The director may waive the repair duty. Applies: Sidewalks in remote areas or without meaningful connections. § 12.24.020 · code text For sidewalks that are in remote areas or that do not provide meaningful connections, the director may waive the requirement to repair.

Who this affects

BuyersSellersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What are the sidewalk repair rules for homeowners in Colfax?

Colfax's code: The owner must maintain and repair any defective sidewalk in front of the lot, even when tree roots caused it. (§ 12.24.020); The city may repair the sidewalk and bill the owner for the work plus administrative and inspection costs. (If the bill is unpaid 30 days after receipt, the city may start a special assessment on the fronting parcel.) (§ 12.24.120).

Sidewalk repairs in Colfax

What Colfax's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Colfax property

More on buying & selling in Colfax