Responsibility for maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, and alleyways is a question that often arises when they fall into disrepair. Municipal codes and ordinances governing these obligations vary greatly—usually placing responsibility for streets and alleyways on the municipality and responsibility for maintenance of sidewalks on the adjacent property owner—whether an individual, a business, or a homeowners’ association.

But sometimes municipal codes or ordinances place responsibility for maintenance of all of these driveways and walkways on the municipality.

A property owner’s failure to maintain or repair a sidewalk, for example, as required by municipal code, may result in the city issuing a citation for a code violation, with a fine.

In Texas, the responsibility for the maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, and alleyways is typically divided between municipalities and property owners. Generally, cities and towns are responsible for the upkeep of streets and alleyways, while the maintenance of sidewalks is often the duty of the adjacent property owner, which can be an individual, a business, or a homeowners' association. This division of responsibility is outlined in municipal codes and ordinances, which can vary from one locality to another. If a property owner neglects their responsibility to maintain a sidewalk as mandated by the local municipal code, the city may issue a citation and impose a fine for the code violation. In some cases, however, municipal codes may assign the responsibility for all such areas, including sidewalks, to the municipality itself. Property owners in Texas should consult their local ordinances to understand their specific obligations regarding the maintenance and repair of sidewalks and other similar areas.