Denver's Sidewalk Program
NOTICE: We’re currently developing our Sidewalk Implementation Plan!
Building a Better Sidewalk Network
Every traveler is a pedestrian at some point in their journey. Sidewalks are one of Denver’s most essential public assets, supporting everyday movement and connecting people to the places that matter most. A complete and well-maintained sidewalk is fundamental to creating an equitable, safe, and vibrant city.
Today, Denver’s sidewalk network includes about 3,140 miles of existing sidewalks, with an additional 318 miles missing. More than 40 percent of the network needs completion, widening, or repair. We're about to fix that!
The City has launched Denver's Sidewalk Program and is developing a Sidewalk Implementation Plan (SIP) to repair damaged sidewalks, widen sidewalks that are too narrow, and build new sidewalks where they're missing.
A New Approach to Sidewalks
Denver’s Sidewalk Program represents a fundamental shift in how the city builds and maintains sidewalks. For the first time, sidewalks will function more like streets, with ongoing citywide care, consistent standards, and dedicated funding.
In 2022, Denver voters affirmed this shift by approving a sidewalk service charge, creating a reliable funding source to support a safer, more accessible, and more equitable pedestrian network. This program goes beyond fixing individual sidewalk defects. Its goal is to deliver a connected system that improves mobility, safety, accessibility, and quality of life for everyone.
Making Denver Accessible
Accessible neighborhoods with good sidewalks are the foundation of a complete transportation system. Building, widening, and repairing sidewalks helps connect people to schools, jobs, transit, and all the amazing amenities that make our city special.
Once fully built out, Denver's sidewalk network will be approximately 3,458 miles - about the distance from Denver to New York City and back again!
Why Sidewalks Matter
Sidewalks support everyday movement for people of all ages and abilities. They improve safety, increase mobility, strengthen neighborhood connections, and promote long-term public health and quality of life.
Here is how a complete sidewalk network helps the city achieve its transportation goals:
The City and County of Denver is currently developing the first Sidewalk Implementation Plan that will be our roadmap for building missing sidewalks, widening deficient sidewalks, and repairing damaged sidewalks. The Sidewalk Implementation Plan will answer the questions of where, when, and how Denver’s Sidewalk Program will build a complete sidewalk network for all Denverites.
During this planning effort, DOTI will seek community input on various aspects of the program.
Learn more about the Sidewalk Implementation Plan
State of the System Report
How the Sidewalk Service Charge Works
Starting in 2025, the sidewalk service charge is included on property owners’ bi-annual stormwater bill, with half of the annual fee assessed in each billing cycle.
For 2026, the annual rates are:
- $150 per year for approximately 96% of property owners
- Properties with more than 230 linear feet of frontage abutting the public right-of-way will pay $150 base rate, plus $3.50 per foot of frontage over 230 feet
At locations where sidewalks don't currently exist, property owners will pay either the flat fee or flat fee with impact fee, based on the length of frontage to the public right-of-way.
Find Your Fee
Use the City’s fee lookup tool to confirm your 2026 sidewalk service charge based on your address and property frontage.
Find your Sidewalk Service Charge
If you have questions about your sidewalk service charge or billing, please contact the DOTI Utility Billing Team at sidewalkbilling@denvergov.org or (303) 446-3500.
Affordability Rebates
Denver's Sidewalk Program provides a way for property owners to apply for an instant rebate on their sidewalk fee based on income and household size. Property owners already receiving the instant rebate for solid waste management services will automatically receive the sidewalk rebate as well and need not reapply.
Learn More & Apply for an Instant Rebate
Denver's Sidewalk Program provides for spot repair improvements on a citywide prioritization standard. The program encourages you to report major sidewalk damage that you observe on public sidewalks. Please report the the issue via the Online Service Hub, by texting the phrase "hello" to HEY311 (439311) and then type in "report sidewalk damage", or by chatting Denver's Sunny chatbot by clicking the icon at the bottom right of this page. Please note that all sidewalk issue reports require an image.
Examples of major sidewalk damage include:
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with an elevation difference greater than one inch
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with gaps greater than one inch
- extensive raveling and major breaking
2025 Annual Report
The 2025 Annual Report highlights a milestone year for Denver’s Sidewalk Program, including significant progress on building, repairing, and widening sidewalks across the city. The report provides a comprehensive update on system conditions, 2025 accomplishments, budget details, and the work plan for 2026.
2025 Highlights:
- 10.6 miles of new and widened sidewalks constructed
- 31.3 miles of sidewalk repaired
- Completion of the State of the System report
- Advancement of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan
Read the full report here:
Sidewalk Implementation Plan Webinar - Feb. 2026
Thank you to the community members who attended the Denver Sidewalk Program webinar on February 11. The project team provided an overview of the history and voter approval of the Sidewalk Program, the updated fee structure and delivery goals, and the urgency of building a complete sidewalk network. The team also outlined the purpose, timeline, and outcomes of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan, shared highlights from the State of the System Report and interactive dashboard, and explained upcoming outreach opportunities and ways to provide input.
The Sidewalk Program has repairs and construction underway.
Learn more about what sidewalk and repair activities are happening and planned
Do these FAQs below answer your question?
If not, submit billing and rebate questions to sidewalkbilling@denvergov.org.
Submit other sidewalk questions to sidewalks@denvergov.org.
Sidewalk Service Charge, Billing, & Rebates
How much is the sidewalk service charge?
For 2026, the annual rates are:
- $150 per year for approximately 96% of property owners
- Properties with more than 230 linear feet of frontage abutting the public right-of-way will pay $150 base rate, plus $3.50 per foot of frontage over 230 feet
At locations where sidewalks don't currently exist, property owners will pay either the flat fee or flat fee with impact fee, based on the length of frontage to the public right-of-way.
Do I have to pay if my sidewalk is in good condition or was recently repaired?
Yes, the service charge applies to all Denver property owners, including those with existing sidewalks in good condition. All property owners contribute to provide access to a complete, safe, and reliable sidewalk network in Denver.
Do I have to pay if I don’t have a sidewalk, live on a private street, or have no frontage?
Yes, the service charge applies to all Denver property owners. All property owners contribute to provide access to a complete, safe, and reliable sidewalk network in Denver.
Properties without an existing sidewalk are also subject to the service charge. These properties are billed based on their frontage that abuts the public right-of-way.
Properties with frontage that abuts private property (not public right-of-way) are not charged for that specific frontage but are still subject to the base annual service charge.
How is my property’s sidewalk frontage measured for billing?
DOTI uses the Assessor's Office data and a GIS application to separate parcel polygons into individual line segments. For each of these segments, GIS tools are used to determine length and whether it is along a public right-of-way. For each account, the lengths of all segments along a public right-of-way are summed to calculate frontage.
Are nonprofit organizations exempt from the sidewalk service charge?
No, nonprofit organizations are not exempt from the sidewalk service charge and do not receive any reductions. All property owners contribute to provide access to a complete, safe, and reliable sidewalk network in Denver.
What if I have trouble paying the sidewalk service charge?
All property owners are responsible for the sidewalk service charge. An instant rebate is available for households with an income at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). A full table of AMI limits can be found here).
For more information on applying for an instant Sidewalk Fee rebate, visit denvergov.org/DOTIrebates. Note that instant rebates are not available for non-profits, governmental organizations, or group accounts.
What happens if I do not pay?
The Denver Revised Municipal Code authorizes the city to place a lien on properties that are delinquent in the payment of fees.
Construction, Repairs, & Damage
What if my sidewalk has major damage or safety issues?
Denver's Sidewalk Program provides for spot repair improvements on a citywide prioritization standard. The program encourages you to report major sidewalk damage that you observe on public sidewalks. Please report the issue via the Online Service Hub, by texting the phrase "report sidewalk damage" to HEY311 (439311), or by chatting Denver's Sunny chatbot by clicking the icon at the bottom right of this page. Please note that all sidewalk issue reports require an image.
Examples of major sidewalk damage include:
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with an elevation difference greater than one inch;
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with gaps greater than one inch; and
- extensive raveling and major breaking.
What if a tree has damaged my sidewalk?
Sidewalk damage caused by trees is complicated to correct because disturbing tree roots can weaken or kill trees. Spot repair requests involving trees may require greater time to consult with forestry experts and contractors with experience in dealing with these issues, and in some cases will not be addressed through spot repair as the location needs additional design work prior to construction.
When will my sidewalk be repaired or installed?
DOTI does not currently have a timeline for when specific segments of sidewalk will be installed or fixed as part of the new sidewalk program.
The city is currently developing a Sidewalk Implementation Plan as required by the ordinance, which will include an initial investment plan. The Plan will detail the path forward for building and upgrading sidewalks across the city in both the short term and the long term. Learn more about the Sidewalk Implementation Plan and opportunities to get involved: hdenvergov.org/SIP.
What is the plan for repairing or widening areas with flagstone sidewalk?
At this time, the city will not be repairing or widening flagstone sidewalks. The program will document existing flagstone, evaluate cost to reset existing flagstone, and develop guidance that balances existing neighborhood character, accessibility, cost, and feasibility. The Sidewalk Implementation Plan will develop strategies and approaches to preserve flagstone sidewalks.
How will the program work between the boundary between private property and the city right-of-way?
The public right-of-way on most streets in Denver includes the street itself, from curb to curb, and then extends behind the curb anywhere from 5 to 20 feet (or more or less) depending on where you are in the city. Existing sidewalks are most often included in this public right-of-way. In areas where there is no sidewalk, there is often still public right-of way behind the curb.
Who is responsible for costs related to landscaping, sprinkler systems, or other property impacts if sidewalks are widened?
The City is still evaluating this as part of the planning process, and details may evolve. Currently, the City anticipates covering certain costs related to damage, repairs, or relocation of features such as sprinkler systems and landscaping. However, if landscaping or hardscaping (such as flower beds, lawns, fencing, or retaining walls) are located within the public right-of-way, the property owner is expected to remove and relocate those elements at their own expense.
Ownership & Responsibility
If I have an HOA, will they receive the sidewalk bill?
If your HOA receives your semi-annual stormwater bill, then your HOA will receive the sidewalk bill as well. Please check with your homeowners’ association to confirm and discuss with them how they are splitting this cost among everyone within your HOA.
Will the City build or fix sidewalks within our HOA, BID, or GID? Will they match our standards?
If sidewalks are within the public right-of-way, the city is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining them according to city standard, but not to other criteria that may exist within a Home Owner Association (HOA), Business Improvement District (BID), or General Improvement District (GID). Sidewalks along private roads within your HOA are not included in the sidewalk fee frontage calculations and therefore the city is not responsible for building or maintaining them.
What if our HOA, BID, or GID already charges a fee for sidewalk maintenance?
Even if your Home Owner Association (HOA), Business Improvement District (BID), or General Improvement District (GID) already charge a sidewalk maintenance fee, properties are still responsible for paying the city's Sidewalk Fee, which covers sidewalks along the public right-of-way. Please contact your association or district for more information about their separate sidewalk plans for private roads.
Can our HOA change its billing structure and how do we request a change?
Yes, HOAs can change their billing structure. Two options are available:
To request a change, submit and email to sidewalkbilling@denvergov.org at least 60 days before the next scheduled billing date. The request must include proof of consent from all affected accounts. Any outstanding balances must be paid in full before the chance can be processed. Please note that changes cannot be made retroactively.
Will the city need additional right-of-way to build or repair a sidewalk?
The city will work to minimize the need to acquire private property to build sidewalks by exploring its options on a site-specific basis. In cases where a sidewalk cannot be built to meet minimum city standards within the existing public right-of-way, we will need to acquire a small amount of private property. In these instances, the city is required to pay the property owner fair market value for the land needed for the sidewalk.
Am I required to build or improve a sidewalk as part of a city permitted project?
The Denver Revised Municipal Code does not change any existing requirements for developers or individuals to improve sidewalks adjacent to their property as a condition of development of redevelopment.
Am I responsible for clearing snow from my sidewalk?
Yes. Ordinance 307 does not relieve property owners of the snow clearing responsibility.
What is Denver doing to keep sidewalks clear and make shared bike and scooter parking easier?
Denver is working with shared bike and scooter operators to improve parking and keep sidewalks clear. The City is adding more designated parking corrals so riders have convenient, clearly marked places to leave bikes and scooters. New tools will help confirm proper parking, send reminders to riders, and support better parking habits through education.
Beginning in 2026, repeat parking violations may result in fines. Mis-parked bikes and scooters can be reported through Denver 311.