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Sidewalk Repairs in Martinez
In 2015, the Martinez City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 1384, adding a “Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair” chapter to the City’s Municipal Code. The primary purpose of the Ordinance is to affirm that fronting property owners are responsible for repair and maintenance of sidewalk areas adjoining their property. The Ordinance also establishes clear legal liability to property owners for injuries or damages to third parties as a result of failing to maintain trip hazard-free sidewalks.
In Spring 2025, the Martinez City Council updated the Sidewalk Cost Sharing Program, under the existing Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair Ordinance No.1384, to provide financial assistance to property owners who receive official city notice of sidewalk defects in need of repair. This program provides a monetary grant for sidewalk trip hazard repair expenses of 50% of the total invoiced cost, up to a maximum of $1000 (or if on a corner lot with work on both frontages, 50% of cost up to $1,000 per frontage). City council also approved a new Sidewalk Shaving Program that same year. Wherein, the city would assist property owners with sidewalk trip hazard repairs that can be remedied with concrete shaving practices of up to 2” of up-lift only.
Reporting a Damaged Sidewalk
Report dangerous or damaged sidewalks online through City of Martinez Service Requests. Select "Sidewalk" under the "Right-of-way" category and include the following information under Location: Nearest address, street name, street location between two cross streets, and which side of the street the sidewalk defect is located on.
Note: Alternatively, you can report a dangerous or damaged sidewalk by contacting the Engineering Division at 925-372-3516 or by email at engineering@cityofmartinez.org and providing the same information listed above.
Repairing a Damaged Sidewalk
Sidewalk repairs should be started as soon as damage is identified and the property owner made aware.
At no additional cost to the property owner, the City may assist property owners with street tree removal/planting replacement street trees, when sidewalk hazards are linked to adjacent street trees.
As a reminder, prior to making any repairs, you must obtain an Encroachment Permit from the City's Engineering Division.
- There are no fees associated with the required encroachment permit
- Contractors must be listed on the encroachment permit application
- Contractors must include in the encroachment permit submittal:
- City Business License
- Certificate of Insurance
- Plans showing the work scope/limits
Resources:
Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair Ordinance No. 1384