Philadelphia sidewalk repair FAQ

1. Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house in Philadelphia?

   The property owner. The Streets Department says sidewalks, alleys, driveways and retaining walls are private property that the City does not own or maintain, and Philadelphia Code § 11-505 requires owners to keep the sidewalk and curb in repair.

   Source: City of Philadelphia, Department of Streets: Maintenance (sidewalks, driveways, alleys and retaining walls are private property), Philadelphia Code § 11-505: sidewalk paving and repairs by property owners

2. I got a sidewalk notice from the Streets Department. What now?

   Read what the notice asks for and when, and call the number on it with questions. The work must be done to Streets Department specifications by a contractor with a Curb Setter License, who pulls a Curb and Footway Permit. If the owner doesn’t act, § 11-505 lets the City contract the work and bill the owner.

   Source: Philadelphia Code § 11-505: sidewalk paving and repairs by property owners, City of Philadelphia Development Checklist, July 2024: Curb and Footway Permit (PDF)

3. What happens if the City does the work?

   Under § 11-505 the district surveyor assesses the cost against the abutting properties. The total assessed may not exceed 30% of the total cost of the work, split by property width. If the bill isn’t paid within 30 days, a lien plus a 6% penalty may be filed.

   Source: Philadelphia Code § 11-505: sidewalk paving and repairs by property owners

4. Do I need a permit to fix my sidewalk?

   Yes. The City’s Development Checklist says a Curb and Footway Permit is required for any alteration, reconstruction or repair of sidewalks in Philadelphia. It is issued by the Streets Department Highway District, and the application must come from a contractor with a valid Curb Setter License.

   Source: City of Philadelphia Development Checklist, July 2024: Curb and Footway Permit (PDF)

5. What is a Curb Setter License?

   An L&I license required to do work on curbs and sidewalks in the public right-of-way. It is renewed annually, and contractors must keep a $1,000 bond on file. Ask any contractor for their license before you hire them.

   Source: City of Philadelphia L&I: Get a Curb Setter License, Philadelphia Code § 11-505: sidewalk paving and repairs by property owners

6. A street tree is lifting my sidewalk. Who pays?

   The owner. Parks & Recreation says there are no exceptions for root damage. You may repair a sidewalk block without removing the tree as long as the roots are not damaged. Major pruning or removal needs a PPR permit. Request an inspection through 311 or at (215) 685-4363.

   Source: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: Street tree frequently asked questions

7. How much does sidewalk repair cost in Philadelphia?

   Angi’s Philadelphia data (May 2026) shows an average of $1,525, with most owners paying $812–$2,359, or about $4–$14 per square foot. Small slab replacement runs $900–$2,800+.

   Source: Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Concrete Sidewalk in Philadelphia? (updated May 2026)

8. Is there financial help for sidewalk repairs?

   The City’s Restore, Repair, Renew program offers 10-year loans of $2,500 to $50,000 at a 3% fixed APR to eligible homeowners, and lists sidewalk and driveway replacement and outside stair repair as eligible. Apply through Clarifi.

   Source: PHDC: Restore, Repair, Renew (RRR) low-interest home repair loans

9. How thick does a Philadelphia sidewalk have to be?

   The Streets Department’s Right-of-Way Improvement Standards call for 4-inch concrete over 4 inches of compacted PennDOT 2A stone, and 6-inch concrete at all corners and on narrow streets, with a 1–2% cross slope.

   Source: Streets Department: Right-of-Way Improvement Standards, Chapter 1 design standards (PDF)

10. How fast do I have to shovel the sidewalk?

    Code § 10-720 requires a path at least 36 inches wide within 6 hours after the snow stops, or 12 inches where the sidewalk is under 3 feet wide. Snow may not be piled in the street.

    Source: Philadelphia Code § 10-720: Snow Removal from Sidewalks

11. Are you a contractor?

    No. Philly Sidewalk Repair is a free referral service. We pass requests to independent Philadelphia contractors, who quote and do the work. We may receive a fee from the contractors we refer. We are not affiliated with the City of Philadelphia.

12. Does it cost anything to use this service?

    No. Using the service is free, and you are under no obligation to hire the contractor we connect you with.

More detail: City rules guide · Cost guide · How our service works