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Palm Desert · Buying & selling

Sidewalk repairs in Palm Desert

Palm Desert's own rules on sidewalk repairs, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Palm Desert Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Palm Desert's code says

Palm Desert code What Palm Desert's code adds
If the owner does not repair
  • The city has the work done and charges the cost to the property owner under state law.
    Applies: When the repair is not started within 14 days.
    § 12.26.030 · code text
    If the work is not begun within fourteen days, the city will cause the work to be done and the cost to be assessed against the property owner in accordance with Chapter 22 of the Improvement Act of 1911.
Liability for injuries
  • The owner is not liable.
    Applies: For conditions created or kept by someone else under a city-approved permit or right.
    § 12.26.020 · code text
    The owner is not liable for conditions created or maintained upon or in connection with sidewalk area by any person other than the owner under any permit or right granted by law and by the city.
  • The owner of the lot facing the sidewalk is liable for injuries from negligent failure to keep it safe.
    § 12.26.010 · code text
    The failure to maintain the sidewalk area in a safe condition is negligence. Liability for any injuries occurring from such negligence is assigned to the owner of the lot fronting the sidewalk.
Deadline to repair
  • Repairs must start within 14 days and be finished without unreasonable delay.
    Applies: Counted from the date of the city's written notice of a hazardous sidewalk.
    § 12.26.030 · code text
    The repair must begin within fourteen days from the date of the notice and be completed without unreasonable interruption or delay.
Who must repair it
  • Owners of lots facing a public street must clean, repair and maintain the sidewalk.
    § 12.26.010 · code text
    The owner of lots, or portions of lots, fronting on any portion of a public street shall clean, repair and maintain sidewalk areas.
  • The permit holder takes on the owner's sidewalk duties.
    Applies: During the permitted activity.
    § 12.26.020 · code text
    During the period of the permitted activity, the permit holder assumes the duties and obligations of Section 12.26.010.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the sidewalk repair rules for homeowners in Palm Desert?

Palm Desert's code: Owners of lots facing a public street must clean, repair and maintain the sidewalk. (§ 12.26.010); The city has the work done and charges the cost to the property owner under state law. (When the repair is not started within 14 days.) (§ 12.26.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Palm Desert Municipal Code — full text