The City of New Rochelle enlists the help and cooperation from its homeowners and landowners to maintain the outward appearance and safety of sidewalks and curbs throughout the City.

The City's law governing "Sidewalks and Curbs" was amended recently to reflect a desire to keep all sidewalks and curbs within the City's limits safe and attractive.

Whether you own a residence, business or vacant land, you are responsible for keeping your sidewalks and curbs in good repair, free from defects, and clear of snow, ice, or other obstructions.

Property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks before noon each day, and the sidewalks must be kept cleaned at all times.

If the City receives a complaint about a sidewalk or curb, the area will be inspected. A report will be generated describing the problem or condition, if any.

If an obstruction or unsafe condition is found, the City will try to contact the appropriate property owner. Because of various ownership agreements, it may be difficult to locate the responsible party in a timely manner. Therefore, in the case of ice or snow, the City may proceed to clean the sidewalks without first serving notice. Any expense incurred by the City because of this type of immediate action will be paid by the property owner. The City's goal is to protect the public and it would prefer to have the property owner handle the clearing of sidewalks of snow and ice.

In cases where the sidewalks/curbs need to be repaired, the City will issue a notice, outlining the violations, which must be corrected within ten days. Either the repairs must be made or written proof of diligent progress towards correcting the problem must be provided within that time frame.

When conditions warrant immediate action, however, the City may order the work or repairs be made by or on behalf of the City.

Under certain conditions, the City may place a lien against the property to which the sidewalk/curb belongs to recoup the costs of these repairs as well as administrative and/or other fees associated with fixing the condition.

The property owner will be notified of this corrective measure by certified mail. If the costs are not paid within ten days of notice, or within 30 days if the property owner authorized the City to undertake the work, the costs will be added to and collected with the subsequent City property tax levy. Interest will accrue as well, so it is advisable to pay the bill when initially received rather than waiting until the tax bill comes.

If a City-owned tree is determined to be the cause of a defective sidewalk and/or curb, the City will repair such conditions at its own expense, including the removal of the tree and the replanting of a new tree.

This outline of your responsibilities as a property owner when it comes to sidewalks and curbs is not meant as a replacement of the charter governing sidewalks and curbs. To understand your full rights and responsibilities, please refer to Section 197 of Article XXII. For a copy of the ordinance, please call (914) 654-2130.