Los Altos introduces sidewalk maintenance ordinance, proposes 50/50 repair cost‑share with property owners

The Los Altos City Council on June 9 introduced an ordinance to add chapter 9.32 to the municipal code that clarifies sidewalk maintenance responsibilities, codifies existing practice under state law and establishes a voluntary 50/50 city cost‑share program for defective sidewalk repairs.

Staff explained the ordinance formalizes the longstanding rule that property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their properties, and the new 50/50 program is intended to allow the city to coordinate repairs across multiple sites to reduce costs and accelerate work. Staff said participation is voluntary — property owners who can do work more cheaply themselves may opt out — and that the city could suspend the program if funds are not appropriated in future budgets.

During council questions, Councilmember Weinberg confirmed that the ordinance does not change liability: a property owner remains responsible for injuries caused by failing sidewalks, consistent with existing law. Council asked staff to provide a short public‑facing explanation of homeowner responsibilities and program options so residents understand the 50/50 program and how they will be notified about defective panels.

Councilmember Daly moved to introduce the ordinance by title and find it categorically exempt; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said they will prepare outreach materials and publish program details in community channels prior to initiating the 50/50 repairs.

What happens next: the ordinance advances to a future reading for adoption and staff will return with materials describing eligibility, application steps and schedule for repairs if the program is funded.