Sidewalk repair in Society Hill

Society Hill streets and sidewalks

Society Hill was settled in the early 1680s and, after urban renewal that began in the 1950s, became one of Philadelphia’s most studied historic neighborhoods. In 2008 the American Planning Association named it one of America’s “great neighborhoods.” The Philadelphia Historical Commission designated the Society Hill Historic District in 1999, and Washington Square West next door became a district in 2024.

What we hear about in Society Hill

• Brick sidewalks that have heaved or sunk unevenly, creating trip lips
• Street-tree roots lifting brick and granite
• Granite curb pieces that have shifted or lost their joints
• Marble and stone front steps that need a stone specialist, not a concrete patch

What to know before you fix it

The Streets Department’s standards expect replacement materials to be “in-kind,” so a brick sidewalk is generally relaid in brick. The standard detail sets brick on a 4-inch concrete base, in thin-set mortar at corners and on a 1-inch sand bed mid-block. Because the district is on the Philadelphia Register, the City says sidewalk, step and stoop work needs a (free) Historical Commission project review as part of the permit. A contractor with brick experience will usually save you money over one who only pours concrete.

The rules are the same citywide

In every Philadelphia neighborhood, the property owner is responsible for the sidewalk and curb. Work in the right-of-way needs a Curb and Footway Permit pulled by a contractor with a Curb Setter License. If an owner ignores a Streets Department notice, the City can do the work and bill them. Read the City rules guide · See typical costs

Services in Society Hill

• Sidewalk repair & replacement
• Curb repair & replacement
• Front steps & stoop repair
• Tree-root sidewalk damage
• Driveway aprons & curb cuts

Nearby: Old City · Queen Village & Bella Vista · South Philadelphia · All neighborhoods

We are a free referral service, not a contractor. We pass your request to an independent Philadelphia concrete contractor who quotes and does the work.