Report Potholes in Louisville - City Ordinance Guide

Transportation Kentucky 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Kentucky

In Louisville, Kentucky, residents can report potholes and request street repairs through Louisville Metro Public Works and the Metro311 reporting system. This guide explains how to file a report, what the city’s repair process looks like, how enforcement and appeals work, and which official pages and forms to use. Follow these steps to ensure a clear, documented request that Public Works can act on promptly and to understand remedies if repairs are delayed.

How to report a pothole

Collect the location, nearest address or intersection, lane and direction, and take a photo if safe. File a report online or by phone; the city’s Public Works report page describes the reporting options Report a pothole or road issue[1]. Many residents use Metro311 to create a service request or track updates Metro311 service request[2].

  • Provide exact location, including nearest address or intersection.
  • Attach a photo showing the size and depth of the pothole when possible.
  • Use Metro311 online, the Public Works form, or call Metro311 to submit the request.
Include a clear photo and exact location to help crews prioritize repairs.

What to expect after you report

After filing, you will receive a service request number if you use Metro311. Public Works triages requests by severity and location, schedules repairs, and updates the request record. Emergency hazards may receive faster response times depending on workload and weather.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcer for public-street repairs and maintenance in Louisville is Louisville Metro Public Works. The official Public Works reporting page outlines repair and maintenance responsibilities but does not list fines for potholes or a citizen penalty schedule; fines or owner liability are not specified on the cited page Report a pothole or road issue[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: Public Works may issue repair orders or pursue corrective work; specific administrative orders are not detailed on the public reporting page.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Louisville Metro Public Works inspects reported defects and schedules repairs.
  • Appeal/review: specific appeal routes and statutory time limits for enforcement notices are not specified on the cited Public Works page.
If you seek damages from the city, follow Metro claims procedures and keep your service request number as evidence.

Applications & Forms

The city does not require a fee to report a pothole. Use the Metro311 service request or the Public Works online report form to submit details and photos; no separate application number or filing fee is published on the reporting pages. For formal damage claims, consult Louisville Metro claims procedures on the city website.

FAQ

How long does it take to repair a reported pothole?
Response times vary with severity, weather, and crew workload; the Public Works reporting page does not specify a guaranteed repair timeframe.
Who is responsible for street repairs?
Louisville Metro Public Works is responsible for public street maintenance; private owners are typically responsible for on-site private drives and sidewalks where local code assigns responsibility.
Can I get reimbursed for vehicle damage from a pothole?
Damage claims require following Louisville Metro claims procedures; the Public Works reporting pages do not list reimbursement rules or timelines for claims.

How-To

  1. Document the pothole: note location, size, depth, and take photos.
  2. File a Metro311 service request online or call Metro311 and keep the request number.
  3. Check the service request status online and provide additional information if requested.
  4. If repairs are delayed, contact Public Works with the service number and request escalation.
  5. For vehicle damage, follow the city claims process and attach the Metro311 report as supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes via Metro311 or the Public Works online form with photos.
  • Public Works inspects and schedules repairs; fines and specific timelines are not listed on the reporting pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Report a pothole or road issue - Louisville Metro Public Works
  2. [2] Metro311 service portal - Louisville Metro

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