J & N REALTY, INC.

Questions & Answers Regarding Sidewalk Maintenance  

This information sheet is designed to answer some commonly asked questions regarding sidewalks, curb, and driveway approaches damaged by tree roots.  

•  WHY DOES THE CITY NOT REPAIR THE SIDEWALK AT ITS OWN EXPENSE?   

•  In accordance with the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 62.104, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, curb, parkway (parking strip) and/or driveway approach.  The City maintains the roadway between the curbs. 

Since 1999, the City has implemented a limited Sidewalk Repair Program.  The locations scheduled for sidewalk repair will be based on criteria of selected areas where there have been trip, slip, and falls; where tree roots have raised sidewalks within American with Disabilities Act "transition areas" as determined by the Department of Disability; to improve the paths of travel in conjunction with access ramp construction, and in low and moderate income census tracts.  The Bureau is coordinating the sidewalk repair work with respective Council offices.  Each request will be evaluated as it relates to the criteria established for this program. 

•  MAY I DO THE WORK OR MUST A CONTRACTOR BE EMPLOYED?   

•  You may perform the work yourself or hire a contractor.  In either case, a Class "A" permit must be obtained from the Bureau of Engineering. 

Please note: Names of private contractors may be found in local newspapers or in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Concrete Contractors.”  Be sure you hire a contractor who has a valid State Contractor's License.  

•  WHAT ACTION WILL THE CITY TAKE REGARDING A TREE GROWING IN THE PARKWAY AREA THAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO SIDEWALK, CURBS, AND DRIVEWAY APPROACHES?  

•  Every effort is made to preserve the City's mature street trees.  If the roots can be pruned and the tree left in a safe condition or if pruning of the branches is needed to minimize the size of the tree's canopy to reduce the "sail effect", the necessary work may be performed by the property owner at their expense with the necessary root prune permit that can be issued in the field by the Urban Forestry Division Inspector. 

Damage to sprinkler systems or property resulting from root cutting or sidewalk removal must be paid for by the property owner.  If the inspector determines that the root pruning will leave the tree in a condition that endangers public safety, the abutting property owner may request a tree removal permit to remove the tree at their own expense.  Any tree removal permit issued to the abutting property owner may contain a condition that requires the property owner to relocate or replace the tree(s) as required by the Urban Forestry Division.  The abutting property owner may apply for the necessary removal permit to the Urban Forestry Division, 1149 S. Broadway Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles , CA 90015 , telephone number (213) 847-3077.  All permits for tree removals must be approved by the Board of Public Works. 

All repairs may be replaced in kind; for example: concrete with concrete or, may be changed from standard concrete to special treatment, colored, decorative sidewalk or vice versa.