Sidewalk Repairs

Overview

The City of Turlock has approximately 400 miles of sidewalks. Well-maintained sidewalks allow for safe pedestrian travel, add value to individual properties, and decrease injuries suffered by pedestrians due to tripping hazards. It is thus essential that sidewalks are well-maintained and accessible for everyone.

The City of Turlock would like to remind our residents that maintenance and repair of the sidewalk area within the City right-of-way is the responsibility of the property owner pursuant to state and local law. Specifically, Streets and Highways Code section 5610 states that the “owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street … shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property[.]” Additionally, the Turlock Municipal Code (“TMC”) Section 7-2-601 (following the adoption of City of Turlock Ordinance 1337, see TMC Chapter 7-6) requires property owners to repair and maintain parking strips, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, curb cuts, and driveway approaches and to pay for the costs and expenses needed for such repairs.

Thus, if the sidewalk area, including the sidewalk, curbs, gutters, curb cuts, driveway approaches, or other works, along your street frontage, is in an unsafe condition, you will need to make arrangements to obtain an Encroachment Permit and make repairs. Failure to make such repairs could result in liability for any property damage or personal injury incurred as a result of your failure to maintain your sidewalk in a safe condition.

Condition of Sidewalk

A sidewalk is considered to be in need of repair when it contains conditions that may create a tripping hazard, drainage problem, or accessibility issue for pedestrians. Based on the City of Turlock’s adopted Defect Guide for Frontage Improvements, sidewalk conditions that typically require repair include, but are not limited to, the following:

Vertical displacement where sidewalk panels, curbs, or adjacent hardscape surfaces are raised or settled by more than one-half inch (½") compared to adjoining surfaces.
Cracks or separations between sidewalk sections that are greater than two inches (2”) wide, including missing or fragmented sections of concrete.
Uneven or sloped surfaces, including sidewalk panels that have lifted, settled, or peaked such that the running slope exceeds five percent (5%) (1:20), or where vertical changes exceed allowable ADA tolerances.
Surface deterioration, such as spalling or broken concrete, that creates a void greater than two inches (2”) wide and one-half inch (½") deep.
Drainage or alignment issues, including sidewalk areas that have settled below or risen above the top of curb or adjacent hardscape surfaces by more than one-half inch (½").
Excessive cross slope, including sidewalk sections with a cross slope greater than two percent (2%), equivalent to one-quarter inch (1/4") per foot.

Sidewalks, curbs, and gutters exhibiting these conditions may be identified during City inspections or in response to reported concerns and may require repair to maintain public safety and accessibility.

Reporting Sidewalk Issues

Please contact us at Engineering@turlock.ca.us or 209-668-5520 if you have any issues you would like to report or if you have any questions about a sidewalk defect or the sidewalk repair process.

Notice to Repair Letter

It was determined by the City that the sidewalk adjacent to or abutting your property has a defect such that the sidewalk is currently in a dangerous condition that needs to be fixed.

How the City can Help you Repair a Sidewalk:

While the City understands that sidewalk repair can be a stressful and potentially costly endeavor, the City is here to help! The City currently offers the following programs to residents:

Resolution No. 2025-210, adopted by the City on December 9, 2025, adopted a Sidewalk Repair Financial Assistance Program, which allows for applicants to apply to have the City pay for 55% of the cost to repair/replace their sidewalk, up to $1,250. Qualified applicants who meet certain financial eligibility criteria can also apply to have the City pay 85% of the cost to repair/replace their sidewalk, up to $2,500. Program will operate while funds are available.
Resolution No. 2025-072, adopted by the City on May 13, 2025, recently allocated $25,000 in Gas Tax revenues and Resolution No. 2025-211 increased it to $50,000 to help fully offset current encroachment permit fees for qualifying projects.
While the City requires a property owner to obtain a permit in the event that a property owner has to remove or replace a street tree, the City does not charge a fee for the street tree permit. More information on the Street Tree Permit can be found here: https://www.cityofturlock.org/streetstraffic/streettrees/

FAQs

Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk?

Answer: The property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalk, curb, gutter, and related improvements adjacent to their property, as required by state law and Turlock Municipal Code Section 7-2-601 (following the adoption of City of Turlock Ordinance 1337, see TMC Chapter 7-6).

How do I know when my sidewalk needs repair?

Answer: Your sidewalk may need repair if it contains conditions that create a tripping hazard, drainage issue, or accessibility concern. Common examples include raised or sunken concrete, cracks or separations wider than two inches, broken or spalled concrete, uneven slopes, or areas affected by tree roots. If you are unsure, you may contact the Engineering Division to request guidance. The City’s inspector will evaluate specific sidewalk conditions.

I can’t afford to repair the sidewalk. What should I do?

Answer: The City of Turlock offers a Sidewalk Repair Financial Assistance Program to help eligible property owners offset the cost of sidewalk repairs. Depending on eligibility, the program may cover an enhanced amount of the repair costs. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Engineering Division for more information before delaying repairs. Program will operate while funds are available.

I have received a sidewalk repair notice? What happens next?

Answer: If you receive a notice, it means the City has identified a sidewalk condition that requires repair. The notice will provide a timeframe to complete the repairs and instructions on obtaining an Encroachment Permit. You may choose your own contractor or apply for the City’s financial assistance program. If repairs are not completed within the required timeframe, the City may take further enforcement action as allowed by law.

Can I do the work myself to repair the sidewalk?

Answer: Property owners may perform the work themselves; however, an approved Encroachment Permit is still required, and all work must meet City standards and specifications. Inspections will be required. Many property owners choose to hire a licensed contractor familiar with City requirements or participate in the assistance program, which involves a City contractor performing the work.

Could you recommend a contractor to repair my sidewalk?

Answer: The City does not recommend or endorse specific contractors. Property owners are responsible for selecting and hiring their own contractor. You may wish to consult licensed contractors who have experience performing concrete and sidewalk work in the public right-of-way. The City’s assistance program involves a City-hired contractor performing the sidewalk repair work.

How can I prevent my sidewalk from needing repairs in the future?

Answer: Regular observation of your sidewalk can help identify early signs of damage. Promptly addressing minor cracks, monitoring tree root growth, watering trees properly, and ensuring proper drainage can help reduce future issues. Any repairs should follow the City’s General Standards and Specifications and be inspected by a City inspector. Obtaining permits before performing work near sidewalks or street trees can also help prevent unintended damage.

Where can I obtain an Encroachment Permit?

Answer: Encroachment Permits are issued by the City’s Engineering Division. Applications and instructions are available through the City’s website or by contacting the Engineering Division directly.

I can’t afford the Encroachment Permit fee. What should I do?

Answer: The City currently offers financial assistance that fully offsets Encroachment Permit fees for qualifying sidewalk repair projects. Property owners should contact the Engineering Division to determine eligibility.

Are there any sidewalk designs or standards I need to follow when repairing the sidewalk?

Answer: Yes. All sidewalk repairs must comply with the City of Turlock’s General Standards and Specifications. These standards ensure sidewalks are safe, durable, and compliant with state and federal regulations.

Can I grind down my sidewalk, or do I need to replace the whole concrete slab?

Answer: Grinding may be allowed in limited circumstances where it fully resolves the defect and meets City standards. In many cases, full panel replacement is required to address structural or drainage issues. The appropriate repair method will be determined during permit review.

How long do I have to finish completing repairs?

Answer: The repair notice will specify a deadline for completing the work. Timeframes are based on safety considerations and the nature of the defect.

Can I request additional time to complete repairs?

Answer: Yes. Property owners may request an extension by contacting the Engineering Division before the deadline. Extensions may be granted based on circumstances such as contractor availability, weather conditions, or permit processing.

Does the City need to inspect the repair work?

Answer: Yes. All permitted sidewalk repairs require inspection by the City to ensure the work complies with approved plans and City standards before the permit can be finalized.

I received a bill from the City for the cost to repair my sidewalk after the City hired a contractor to make the necessary repairs. What happens if I don’t pay?

Answer: If the City completes repairs due to non-compliance and the costs are not paid, the City may recover those costs as allowed by law, including placing the unpaid amount on the property tax roll as a lien against the property.

I recently got served with a lawsuit claiming that the plaintiff got injured by an alleged defect in the sidewalk in front of my property. Am I liable?

Answer: Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining sidewalks in a safe condition. Liability determinations depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Property owners should consult their insurance provider or legal counsel for advice regarding potential liability.

Is the property owner responsible for sidewalk damage caused by street trees planted by the City?

Answer: Yes. Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property, including repairing damage caused by street tree roots. Under the Turlock Municipal Code, property owners also have a duty to maintain, protect, and water street trees located within the parkway or planting easement along their frontage and are responsible for the costs associated with required maintenance, pruning, watering, or removal.

However, the City retains authority over the inspection, supervision, and approval of any street tree maintenance, pruning, or removal. If a street tree is contributing to sidewalk damage, the City will review the condition of the tree and determine what actions are allowed or required. Property owners must obtain City approval before performing work on a street tree, and additional permits or conditions may apply.

Can I remove the street trees along the sidewalk?

Answer: Yes, but only with approval from the City. Street trees may be removed only after obtaining a Street Tree Removal Permit. The City will review each request and determine whether removal is appropriate based on the condition of the tree and the criteria set forth in the Turlock Municipal Code, including whether the tree is dead, hazardous, diseased, or damaging public improvements such as sidewalks, curbs, or gutters. Unauthorized removal of a street tree is prohibited.

In making the repairs, I discovered tree roots underneath the sidewalk. What should I do?

Answer: If tree roots are encountered, stop work and contact the Engineering Division. Additional review and a Street Tree Permit may be required to ensure the work is completed safely and in compliance with City standards.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

Answer: For additional questions, please contact the Engineering Division at Engineering@turlock.ca.us or (209) 668-5520 during regular business hours.

Resources

For additional information, please take a look at the resources provided below:

Street Trees Webpage.

Turlock Municipal Code Section 7-2-601.

Encroachment Permit Application.