The City of Germantown has reminded residents that sidewalks must be kept safe and in good condition. Many property owners own the land beneath the sidewalks, and “The City holds an easement allowing public use,” but repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the owners under Municipal Code Sec. 16-49. Sidewalk issues can include cracks, sunken sections, or uneven areas caused by tree roots, while sidewalks that are solid and level are not considered hazardous, according to the City of Germantown.
The City of Germantown states in its FAQ, “If a sidewalk is unsafe, the City will ask the property owner to make repairs.” If the notice is ignored, the City may complete the repairs and bill the property owner, with the cost potentially leading to a lien on the property.
In Germantown, sidewalk repairs must be completed by a licensed and bonded contractor, and “A permit is required to reconstruct sidewalks in the right-of-way.” Since January 1, 2024, sidewalk inspections have been required before the sale of any property, and property owners are responsible for any existing damage. Sidewalk issues can be reported to the City of Germantown Engineering Department at (901) 751-5720 or through the city’s website.
