Skip to content

Exeter · Buying & selling

Sidewalk repairs in Exeter

Exeter's own rules on sidewalk repairs, with the code text for every value.

Ask about sidewalk repairs in Exeter See coverage

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

What Exeter's code says

Exeter code What Exeter's code adds
If the owner does not repair
  • If the city contracts the repair, the owner pays it plus city inspection, administration and collection costs.
    Applies: Unpaid assessments can lead to a lien on the property.
    § 12.10.020 · code text
    including a charge for the city of Exeter's costs of inspection and administration whenever the city awards a contract for the maintenance and repair and including the costs of collection of assessments for the costs of maintenance and repair under this section or handling of any lien placed on the property due to failure of the property owner to promptly pay the assessments.
Liability for injuries
  • The property owner is liable for resulting damages or injury and must indemnify and hold the city harmless.
    Applies: When the owner fails to keep the sidewalk area in a safe, nondangerous condition.
    § 12.10.030 · code text
    If, as a result of the failure of any property owner to maintain the sidewalk area in a nondangerous condition as required, any person suffers injury, or any damage to person or property occurs, the property owner shall be liable to the person for the resulting damages or injury and shall be required to indemnify and hold harmless the city of Exeter, its officers, agents and employees.
Deadline to repair
  • The public works director may extend the start of repairs by no more than 74 days after the state notice.
    Applies: Only for sufficient cause.
    § 12.10.020 · code text
    the director of public works may in his or her discretion, and for sufficient causes, extend the period within which required maintenance and repair of sidewalk areas must commence by a period of not to exceed seventy-four days from the time the notice referred to in §5614 is given.
Who must repair it
  • Owners and permitted occupants of lots fronting the sidewalk area repair, maintain and pay for sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
    § 12.10.020 · code text
    The owners of lots or portions of lots adjacent to or fronting on any portion of a sidewalk area or driveway approach between the opaquing strips, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and persons in possession of the lots by virtue of any permit or right shall repair and maintain the sidewalk areas and pay the costs and expenses therefore

Who this affects

BuyersSellersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What are the sidewalk repair rules for homeowners in Exeter?

Exeter's code: Owners and permitted occupants of lots fronting the sidewalk area repair, maintain and pay for sidewalks, curbs and gutters. (§ 12.10.020); If the city contracts the repair, the owner pays it plus city inspection, administration and collection costs. (Unpaid assessments can lead to a lien on the property.) (§ 12.10.020).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Exeter property

Ask GoCodebook how Exeter's sidewalk repairs rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on buying & selling in Exeter

All buying & selling rules in Exeter

Exeter Municipal Code — full text