Hollow Sidewalk Monitoring Program

In the 1860’s, the City of Sacramento was raised 12-feet to prevent flooding. The second floors of existing buildings became first floors and new sidewalks were constructed on structural supports. The action created hollow sidewalks.

The City established a hollow sidewalk monitoring program for the limited number of properties in the Downtown area that still have hollow sidewalks. Designated City staff and engineering consultants conduct periodic sidewalk evaluations in coordination with the property owners for the hollow sidewalk properties which are generally bounded by Front Street to 14th Streets and I Street to L Street.

California Streets and Highways Code sections 5610 through 5618 and Sacramento City Code section 12.32.020 require property owners to maintain their sidewalks in such a manner that they do not endanger persons or property or interfere with public convenience. In addition, Sacramento City Code 12.32.040 states: “Each owner required by Section 12.32.020 to repair a defective sidewalk shall owe a duty to members of the public to keep and maintain the sidewalk area in a non-defective condition. If, as a result of the failure of any owner to maintain or repair the sidewalk as required by Section 12.32.020, any person suffers injury or property damage, the property owner shall be liable to such person for the resulting injury or damage.”

For questions about the program, please contact: hollowsidewalk@cityofsacramento.org

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