Report Potholes & Request Sidewalk Repair - Saint Paul

Transportation Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota the city and property owners share responsibilities for streets and sidewalks. This guide explains how residents and businesses can report potholes and request sidewalk repair, who enforces rules, and what to expect after a report is filed. Use the official Public Works reporting tools to submit location details, photos, and contact information so the city can triage urgent roadway hazards and schedule sidewalk inspections and repairs. For potholes and immediate roadway hazards file a report online or by phone via the city’s official service portal Report a pothole[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for potholes and sidewalks in Saint Paul is handled primarily by the Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement. The city inspects reported defects, prioritizes repairs by danger and public use, and may order repairs or perform work and assess costs to property owners where local ordinances assign responsibility. Specific fine amounts and escalation for potholes or failed sidewalk repairs are not specified on the cited city pages; see the enforcement contacts below for case-specific information.[2]

  • Enforcer: Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement (inspection, orders, scheduling).
  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages; fee or fine amounts vary and are determined per ordinance or administrative order.
  • Escalation: first notices, repair orders, then possible city-performed repairs with assessment of costs to owner; specific timelines and tiers are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals: appeal or review routes are handled through the city administrative process or established appeal boards; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, stop-work or compliance orders, and court actions if required.
Property owners are commonly required to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property and may be billed if the city performs repairs.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online reporting tool for potholes and a service request process for sidewalks; there is no separate published sidewalk repair application form on the cited pages. For potholes use the Public Works report page; for sidewalk repair requests follow the Public Works service request workflow or contact Code Enforcement for an inspection.[1]

How the Process Works

After you submit a report the city triages by safety risk. Emergency or high-risk roadway hazards get priority dispatch. Sidewalk complaints may trigger an inspection to determine responsibility and whether the city will schedule repair or issue an order to the property owner. Provide clear location, photos, and preferred contact details to speed inspection and repair scheduling.

  • Inspection: the city schedules an inspection based on severity and available crews.
  • Record keeping: case numbers and timelines are recorded in the service system.
  • Contact: Public Works handles scheduling and status updates.
Provide a clear street address, nearest cross-street, and photos when you report to speed response.

FAQ

Who fixes a broken sidewalk?
The Department of Public Works inspects reported sidewalks and determines responsibility; property owners are often required to repair sidewalks adjacent to their property.
How do I report a pothole?
Report potholes using the city’s online reporting page or by contacting Public Works. Use the official report tool for fastest service Report a pothole[1].
Will I be billed if the city completes a sidewalk repair?
If the city performs repairs on owner-responsible sidewalks it may assess costs to the property owner; specific billing procedures and fees are handled per administrative practice and are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Document the defect: take photos, note the exact location and nearby cross-streets, and record any safety risks.
  2. Submit a report: use the City of Saint Paul Public Works service portal to file a pothole or sidewalk request and attach photos.
  3. Track the request: keep the case number and monitor responses from Public Works; respond to follow-up inspection requests.
  4. Respond to orders: if the city issues a repair order and you are the owner, schedule repairs or inquire about assessment timelines with Code Enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Report with photos and exact location for fastest action.
  • Public Works handles inspections; contact them for status updates.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Saint Paul - Report a pothole
  2. [2] City of Saint Paul - Public Works

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