Sidewalk Defects and Repair 

The City of Vancouver is committed to providing safe sidewalks that are readily accessible and usable by all community members. As safe spaces for pedestrian movement and access, sidewalks enhance connectivity and promote an active lifestyle. 

Repair and maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of the abutting property owner per the Vancouver Municipal Code 11.30. When residents report sidewalk concerns, Sidewalk Management staff will inspect the site and issue correction notices to property owners which include information on defects found.  

Below are examples of common sidewalk defects and acceptable repairs that property owners may perform. Repairs shall follow the City of Vancouver’s Transportation standard details (Section T02, Sidewalks, Ramps) and specifications, or be performed as directed by the City Sidewalk Management Program Inspector. We highly recommend that property owners and/or their contractor contact us at sidewalks@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8196 prior to making any repairs. 

Before beginning sidewalk maintenance or repairs, property owners or their contractors must have a valid permit to work in the right of way. Permits can be obtained at the permit counter at City Hall, 415 W 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. Visit the Permit Center webpage for more information on their in-person services and scheduling virtual appointments. 

Vertical Separation (Trip Hazard) 

A vertical separation occurs when there is more than one-half inch (1/2”) between any two panels of sidewalk. Many factors cause vertical separation in sidewalk panels, with the most common being tree roots raising the sidewalk or settlement.  

Acceptable Repairs: 

• Remove and replace affected panel(s). 
• Mudjack or lift panel manually. 
• Grind down affected panels – up to 2 inches (2”) in height. (This is not ideal when the damage is caused by tree roots because the roots continue to grow and raise the sidewalk, which may require future additional repairs.)  

Note: 

• ¼ inch to ½ inch vertical separations should be beveled or ground down to remove the separation. 
• If grouting or some type of patching is used to temporarily repair the vertical separation, a permanent repair on the Acceptable Repairs list will be required in the future. 
• If grinding down or grouting more than a ½” of vertical separation, the slope of the repair shall be no steeper than 1:12 (8.33%). 

Horizontal Separations (Openings) or Cracks 

This occurs when the sidewalk has openings between panels or cracks of more than one-half inch (1/2”) in width or more than 4 cracks in any one panel.  

Acceptable Repairs: 

• Filling of cracks with an epoxy crack filler is acceptable for separation widths up to one and one-half inch (1 ½”). 
• Separations wider than one and one-half inch (1 ½”) shall be removed and replaced. 

• Panels with multiple cracks (more than 4 in any one panel) shall be removed and replaced. 

Note: 

• Grouting is a temporary fix and is not a recommended repair because panels can move and break the grout out of the crack. 

Deteriorated Surface (pitting/spalling and holes) 

Spalling occurs when the cement has deteriorated and the aggregate below the surface of the sidewalk is exposed one-half inch (1/2”) or more in depth or over fifty percent (50%) of a single panel.  

Acceptable Repair: 

• Hole(s) may be filled with grout or an epoxy crack filler. Proper preparation of the affected area prior to the use of these materials is a must for proper adhesion. 

• Repair of spalling requires removal and replacement of the affected sidewalk area. 

Note: 

• Patching may be used but is a temporary fix. Proper preparation of the affected area prior to the use of these materials is a must for proper adhesion. 
• Holes are when the sidewalk has holes or depressions one-half inch (1/2”) or more in depth and are three inches (3”) or more in diameter. 

Missing Sidewalk (sections/pieces) 

If any part of the sidewalk is missing to the full depth, replacement of the missing panel is required. 

Acceptable Repair: 

• Repair of this condition requires removal and replacement of the affected sidewalk area. 

Ponding Water on Sidewalk 

If the sidewalk has settled allowing water to pond to a depth greater than three-quarters inch (3/4”), replacement of the affected panel is required to restore drainage. 

Acceptable Repair 

• Repair of this condition requires removal and replacement of the affected sidewalk area.