Sidewalks are a vital component of the public transportation network. Since 1941, the California Streets and Highways Code has placed the responsibility to maintain public sidewalk on the adjacent property owners.

The City is responsible for maintaining sidewalk fronting city facilities and for maintaining other sidewalk locations under maintenance agreements. The City of Livermore contracted with Precision Emprise, LLC, dba Precision Concrete Cutting to remove tripping hazards at approximately 2,000 city-maintained sidewalk locations. Concrete cutting or slicing is a cost-effective solution that can be performed at locations with an elevation difference of up to 2 inches. The first phase was completed in July 2023. In the summer and fall of 2024, Precision Concrete Cutting will be slicing more sidewalks.

For more severe cases, the City of Livermore contracted with Teichert Construction to replace sidewalks at 220 locations. These locations have elevation differences greater than 2 inches and require the entire concrete slab to be replaced. Part of these locations are in public areas such as parks and schools, and in areas with high pedestrian traffic connecting trails and pathways to parks. Teichert Construction will begin replacing sidewalks starting at the end of summer.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining public sidewalk adjacent to their properties. Repairing the sidewalk requires a no-cost encroachment permit from the City. The finished work must be of professional quality and must also conform to all applicable City standards. The City of Livermore has worked to more clearly define where the responsibility changes for single family residences, which can be seen in this exhibit. Commercial and multi-family properties are responsible for all sidewalks (except ramps) adjacent to their properties. 

For more information regarding the Sidewalk Repair Program, call the City’s Engineering Division at (925) 960-4500 or download the sidewalk repair informational flier.

The City of Livermore thanks the neighbors and roadway users in advance, for their patience and cooperation as we continue to perform sidewalk repairs at various city owned and maintained locations through the city.