Sidewalk repair in West Philadelphia

West Philadelphia streets and sidewalks

West Philadelphia grew as one of the city’s streetcar suburbs, and much of it is twin houses and porch-front rows. University City sits on its eastern edge. The Historical Commission has designated Powelton Village (2022), Southeast Spruce Hill (2024) and Parkside (2009) as historic districts.

What we hear about in West Philadelphia

• Sidewalk slabs lifted by mature street-tree roots
• Long frontages on twins and corner lots
• Retaining walls and steps up to raised front yards
• Shared rear driveways between twins

What to know before you fix it

Parks & Recreation says owners are responsible for sidewalk damage from street-tree roots, with no exceptions, but you can repair around a tree without removing it as long as its roots aren’t damaged. Ask PPR to inspect before you plan anything drastic. Retaining walls are private property, and owners with deed rights share their repair costs, per the Streets Department. See tree-root damage.

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 West Philadelphia

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

Nearby: South Philadelphia · Germantown · Manayunk & Roxborough · 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.