Sidewalk Repair Guide

Our sidewalks are an important part of Sioux Falls’ transportation network and make up more than 1,320 miles across the city. Homeowners and business owners share an important responsibility to correct sidewalk hazards so sidewalks can remain accessible for all residents.

At the City, our role is to oversee the sidewalk repair program. Sidewalk inspections are prompted in two ways:

• The City conducts proactive sidewalk inspections each year. We aim to inspect about 10% of sidewalks across the city annually, including City-owned sidewalks.
• Sidewalk hazards are reported to the City. If an issue is reported through the City’s website or mobile app, our inspection team visits the property to view the issue(s) and determine if it requires repair.

If you received a letter, door hanger, and there is bright pink spray paint on your sidewalk, it’s time to fix your sidewalk. State law requires homeowners and property owners to maintain their sidewalks to avoid a public nuisance. Homeowners and property owners are responsible for sidewalk repair costs.

Repair Options

You have three options for sidewalk repairs:

Option 1: Complete the work yourself.
You are welcome to complete the sidewalk repair(s) or replacement yourself. To do so, please follow these important steps:

1. Get a sidewalk permit from the City. Follow the steps outlined here.
2. Review the repair guide for helpful tips and requirements.
3. Once the sidewalk permit is issued and the sidewalk work is complete, call our team at 605-367-8600 to schedule a re-inspection of the property to ensure proper completion.

Please note: There is no charge for a sidewalk permit for homeowners or property owners. Obtaining your sidewalk permit notifies the City that you intend to do the work yourself. If you do not get a permit by the due date listed in your letter, you will be automatically enrolled in option 3 (see below).

Option 2: Hire a sidewalk contractor who is bonded and insured with the City to complete the work.
If you would like to hire this work to be completed, the City highly recommends hiring a contractor who is bonded and insured with the City. For this option, please follow these steps:

1. Read these tips on hiring a contractor.
2. Review the list of contractors and hire them.
3. Your hired contractor is required to obtain a sidewalk permit. They can do so by following these steps.
4. Review the repair guide for helpful tips and requirements.
5. Once the sidewalk permit is issued and the sidewalk work is complete, our team will reinspect the property to ensure proper completion.

Please note: Obtaining a sidewalk permit notifies the City that you intend to hire your own contractor. Contractors are required to pay a sidewalk permit fee. If your contractor does not get a permit by the due date listed in your letter, you will be automatically enrolled in option 3 (see below).

Option 3: Have the City’s contractor complete the work and bill you later.
The City creates multiple sidewalk repair plans across the city each year, which are then competitively bid and awarded to a sidewalk contractor. The contractor completes the City-owned sidewalk repairs, along with the repairs of any property owner who either chooses to use the City contractor or does not respond to the City’s deadline for repairs.

For this option, email sidewalks@siouxfalls.gov with your first and last name, property address, phone number and state that you would like to have the City complete the repairs on your property and bill you for the cost. If you do not have access to email, please call 605-367-8600 to provide these details.

City team members will remark your sidewalks and post a cost estimate on your door. After the estimate is posted, the repair work will start within 2-10 days.

By choosing option 3, there will no longer be a due date for repairs and your property will be completed in the order it is added to the contractor’s list. When the repair is finished, the City will send you an invoice for the cost of the repair within 60 days. Unpaid balances will be added to your property taxes the following year, per South Dakota law and City ordinance.

Completed Repairs
If you received a second letter/notice, but have already completed your sidewalk repair/replacement, please send an email to sidewalks@siouxfalls.gov with your first and last name, phone number, and address so we can conduct a follow-up inspection and update your record. You can call 605-367-8600 if you do not have access to email.

Renter / Tenant Information

If you received a sidewalk repair notice (letters, door hanger, pink spray paint), and you rent your home or property, please forward the information to your property owner or manager. You can also call or email our team for guidance.