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Sidewalk repair in Denver, CO: who pays and how the city helps

Colorado · Last checked November 2026

City repairs, owners pay a fee

Since a 2022 vote, Denver repairs sidewalks itself and bills nearly all owners a $150 annual sidewalk fee. Repairs are triaged, not on demand.

Cost split: City repairs; owners pay $150 a year

Key facts

Fee
$150 a year for about 96% of owners in 2026, plus $3.50 per foot of frontage over 230 feet. Adjusted for inflation.
Billing
Half on each of the two yearly stormwater bills. Unpaid fees can become a lien.
Rebate
Instant rebate for households at or below 60% of area median income.

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How it works

Most US cities make the owner of the adjacent property responsible for the public sidewalk, even though it sits in the public right of way. Some cities share the cost, some reimburse a set rate, and a few, like Denver, now repair sidewalks themselves and charge a fee.

  1. Check whether the slab is on the city's list of hazards, or report it and ask for an inspection.
  2. Ask whether a cost-share program is open this year. Most have a small budget that runs out early.
  3. Read the program rules before you hire anyone. Some cities only pay if their own contractor does the work.
  4. If you hire your own contractor, get the city permit first and keep the invoice for any reimbursement.

What it costs

Fort Wayne puts a 5-by-5 foot slab at about $550 to $600, and Minneapolis reported an average of $1,255 per property in 2024. Prices depend on slab count, thickness, tree roots and whether a curb or drive approach is included.

More in Colorado and nearby

Sources

Last checked November 2026. Programs open, close and change funding every year. Confirm with the city before you hire anyone. Report a change.