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Fairfax · Buying & selling

Sidewalk repairs in Fairfax

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

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

What Fairfax's code says

Fairfax code What Fairfax's code adds
If the owner does not repair
  • If the town hires a contractor, it may charge inspection, administration and collection costs; unpaid assessments may become a lien.
    § 12.44.030 · code text
    Costs recoverable by the town may include a charge for the Town of Fairfax’s costs of inspection and administration whenever the town awards a contract for such maintenance and repair and including the costs of collection of assessment for the costs of maintenance and repair or the handling of any lien placed on the property due to the failure of the property owner to promptly pay such assessments.
Deadline to repair
  • The Director of Public Works may delay the repair start by up to 74 days after the state notice.
    Applies: Only when the town uses the state sidewalk repair law and there is sufficient cause.
    § 12.44.030 · code text
    the Director of Public Works may, in his or her discretion, and for sufficient cause, extend the period within which required maintenance and repairs of sidewalk area must commence by a period not to exceed 74 days from the time the notice referred to in Cal. Streets and Highways Code § 5614 is given.
Who must repair it
  • Adjacent or fronting lot owners, and occupants by permit or right, must repair and maintain the sidewalk and pay.
    § 12.44.030 · code text
    The owners of lots or portions of lots adjacent to or fronting on any portion of a sidewalk area between the property line of the lots and the street line, including parking strips, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and persons in possession of such lots by virtue of any permit or right shall repair and maintain such sidewalk areas and pay the costs and expenses therefor.
  • The owner does not have to make the repair.
    Applies: Sidewalk damaged by trees, shrubs or other landscaping that the town installed and maintains.
    § 12.44.030 · code text
    The requirements of this section shall not apply to any sidewalk damaged by any tree, shrub, hedge or other landscaping installed and maintained by the Town of Fairfax.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the sidewalk repair rules for homeowners in Fairfax?

Fairfax's code: Adjacent or fronting lot owners, and occupants by permit or right, must repair and maintain the sidewalk and pay. (§ 12.44.030); If the town hires a contractor, it may charge inspection, administration and collection costs; unpaid assessments may become a lien. (§ 12.44.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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