Sidewalk The paved public path for pedestrian travel, running between a property's building line and the curb line, that abutting property owners must maintain under city law.
Although sidewalks are public property owned by the City of New York, Administrative Code § 7-210 shifted the maintenance and liability burden to the adjacent property owner in 2003, with a narrow exception for certain owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes. This split — public ownership, private maintenance duty — is the foundation for nearly everything else in this glossary, from violations and permits to liability claims. Understanding that distinction helps explain why an owner can be sued over damage to land the city technically owns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalk
What legally counts as a sidewalk in NYC?
The paved public path for pedestrian travel running between a property's building line and the curb line.
Who owns the sidewalk?
The City of New York owns it, even though the abutting property owner is responsible for maintaining it.
Why does a private owner maintain public property?
Because Administrative Code 7-210 shifted the maintenance and liability burden to abutting owners in 2003, with a narrow exception for certain owner-occupied one- to three-family homes.
Can I do what I like with my sidewalk?
No. Because it is public property in the right-of-way, work requires a DOT permit and must meet City specifications.