Who is responsible for fixing a broken, lifted, sunken or otherwise hazardous sidewalks in the City of Hanford? The answer may surprise you.
Since 1941, the California Streets and Highways Code has placed the responsibility to maintain public sidewalks on the adjacent property owners. Accordingly, Hanford Municipal Code 12.20 (Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks) states:
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an owner of a lot or portion of a lot adjacent to or fronting any portion of a sidewalk area or on which a sidewalk area is located shall maintain and repair the sidewalk so that it remains a safe and non-dangerous condition at his/her/its sole cost and expense.
Nevertheless, residents are encouraged to contact the City to report a broken sidewalk or tripping hazard. The easiest way to do so is by submitting a request through the My Hanford app/web portal.
Learn more about how the City helps property owners start the process of fixing a defective sidewalk on the sidewalks webpage.