Dallas, TX · Guide
Sidewalks and Drive Approaches in Dallas: What Homeowners Should Know
The strip of concrete between your yard and the street is in the city's right-of-way, and that changes who pays, who approves and how the work has to be built.
01 — What this covers
The work itself
- What the right-of-way is
- Who maintains the sidewalk
- The drive approach and curb cut
- When a city permit is needed
- The residential sidewalk cost-share program
- Trees and sidewalks
- Alley connections
- Planning the work with your contractor
02 — Detail
Your lot ends before the street
In most Dallas neighborhoods your property line is set back from the curb. The strip that holds the public sidewalk, the grass between it and the street and the drive approach belongs to the public right-of-way, controlled by the City of Dallas.
You use it every day and you mow it, but construction there is governed by the city. The Dallas City Code says construction in a public right-of-way needs a permit from the city, apart from emergencies.
That is why a contractor will ask where your driveway work ends. Replacing the part on your lot is one thing; continuing through the sidewalk to the curb is right-of-way work.
03 — Detail
Who takes care of the sidewalk
In Dallas, maintaining the sidewalk next to a property has generally been the responsibility of the owner, which is one reason sidewalk condition varies so much from street to street across the city.
Broken and lifted panels are more than an eyesore. They are trip hazards for neighbors and a problem for anyone using a wheelchair or stroller, and the city can receive complaints about them.
If you are selling a home, a buyer's inspector may also note sidewalk damage, and fixing it before listing can avoid a negotiation.
04 — Detail
The drive approach
The drive approach is the section of driveway between the sidewalk and the street, including the curb cut and the transition to the gutter. It takes the hardest loads, from cars turning in, delivery trucks and the weight of vehicles crossing the curb.
Its width, slope and the way it ties into the gutter follow city standards, which exist so water flows along the gutter and the sidewalk stays usable. Paving permits for sidewalks and drive approaches in Dallas go through the city's Planning and Development Department.
A good estimate for a full driveway replacement shows the approach and the permit as separate items, so you can see what part of the cost comes from the city requirements.
05 — Detail
The sidewalk cost-share program
The City of Dallas has run a residential Sidewalk Replacement Program in which the city and the owner split the cost of removing and replacing existing sidewalk, roughly half each. Under its terms, the owner pays the full cost of any drive approach work.
Programs like this depend on city budgets and can be paused or changed. In late 2025 the program was reported as paused, with council action expected to restart it. Check the city's Public Works page or call the program line before counting on it.
If you qualify and the program is running, it can make sense to coordinate sidewalk replacement through the city and private work, such as the driveway on your lot, with a contractor.
06 — Detail
Trees and sidewalks
Street trees and large trees near the property line are the most common reason Dallas sidewalks lift. Roots grow under the panels and push them up at the joints.
Cutting large roots to lower a panel can harm the tree, and in some cases tree rules apply. Options include ramping or grinding the edge, rerouting a short section of walk or using a reinforced panel.
The contractor can explain what is possible at your address, and when the city or an arborist should be involved.
07 — Detail
Planning the work
Start by deciding the full scope: just the driveway on your lot, or the sidewalk and approach too. Doing them together often saves money, because the crew, equipment and concrete are already there.
Ask the contractor who pulls the permit and whether the price includes it. Allow time for approval before the pour date.
Keep the permit and final inspection records with your house papers. They are useful when you sell.
How we work
Step by step
- 01
Decide the scope: lot only, or sidewalk and approach too.
- 02
Have the contractor measure and check what is in the right-of-way.
- 03
Permit application for right-of-way work.
- 04
Removal, base, forms and pour to city standards.
- 05
City inspection where required, then curing before use.
What it costs
Costs depend on the length of sidewalk, the size of the approach, removal, permits and any tree or drainage work. Cost-share programs, when running, can reduce the sidewalk portion.
Questions
Sidewalks and Drive Approaches in Dallas — asked and answered
Do I need a permit to replace my drive approach in Dallas?
Yes. It is in the public right-of-way, and construction there requires a City of Dallas permit.
Will the city pay to fix my sidewalk?
The city has offered a cost-share program for existing residential sidewalks. Check its current status before planning around it.
Who pays for the drive approach?
Under the cost-share program's terms, the owner pays the full cost of drive approach work.
Can a contractor handle the permit?
Many do. Ask whether the estimate includes the permit and inspection.
My sidewalk was lifted by a tree. What can be done?
Grinding, ramping, rerouting or replacing the panel are options, depending on the tree and city rules.
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