Figuring out who to get in touch with to fix a broken or missing sidewalk in Detroit can be confusing, slow and frustrating.

This guide can help you track down who is responsible for sidewalk repairs and how long they should take.

Whose job is it to fix the sidewalks?

Usually the property owner is on the hook. Owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their properties in almost all cases.

There are some exceptions. If tree roots growing between the curb and sidewalk have damaged the sidewalk, the Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW) may repair it. Residents should report these breakages through the Sidewalk Damage Reporter tool or by calling the City Engineering Permit Office at 313-224-3935 .

City spokesperson Georgette Johnson did not make any promises for DPW being able to make those repairs in every case. She said whether maintenance happens depends on when the request is submitted, coordination with utility companies’ repairs and the department’s budget.

If it’s a construction project that has caused the damage, DPW said residents can call its City Engineering Division at 313-224-3949 . Residents have to leave a voicemail and trust DPW to send an inspector.

If DTE Energy or the city’s Water and Sewerage Department damaged the sidewalk during repairs, it is responsible for fixing or replacing the sidewalk.

If a customer calls DTE about a sidewalk safety issue, a crew member will visit the site within 72 hours “as necessary,” according to a company representative.

DTE said the sidewalks it needs to replace as a result of its gas line upgrades should be fixed within 30 days in May through October. From November through April, the utility said it fills sidewalk holes with temporary materials like cold patch, a mixture of asphalt and oils that resist freezing, until temperatures are warm enough to complete the repairs.

Any Southeast Michigan residents with questions related to DTE’s gas line upgrades can call 313-270-9240 , 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents can also submit damage claims to DTE or file a complaint.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department does underground pipe repairs that require sidewalks or curbs to be dug up. After repairs are finished, the department also uses cold patch in the winter months. Once the weather warms, the department said sidewalks are restored with asphalt or concrete.

Residents can report water and sewer issues, including sidewalk repair issues, by calling 313-267-8000 or using the Improve Detroit website and apps.

Requests to fix sidewalks in front of vacant Detroit Land Bank Authority houses should go to DPW at 313-224-3935 . Residents can also give public comment at land bank meetings held the third Tuesday of every month.

Residents who have already tried these approaches and still need repair can use TXT Outlier to get help from a reporter. Text “Detroit” to 67485 and follow the prompts.*

Got a broken up sidewalk photo that’s getting you down? Want to rave or rant about walking and safety in the city? Tell us all about it: samya@outliermedia.org .

* Message and data rates may apply, and carriers are not liable for undelivered or delayed messages. People may receive up to four messages a month. When using our system, you can always text “Stop” to quit and we won’t get in touch again. You can also text “Help” to chat with someone from our team.

How to get your sidewalk repaired in Detroit · Outlier Media