The Los Angeles Municipal Code (Section 62.104, Ordinance No. 146,040 effective July 3, 1974) exempts homeowners from the responsibility for sidewalk repairs caused by a city-owned tree root growth and places responsibility for these repairs with the City.
If the sidewalk and/or curb is NOT broken by City-owned parkway tree, it is the adjacent property owner's responsibility to maintain. Even though it is considered public right-of-way, the area from the curb-face back is legally the property owner's responsibility (Los Angeles Municipal Code, Chapter VI, Section 62.104).
Requests for sidewalk &/or street repairs for any location may be filed electronically (by any one) at the following web site: http://www.lacity.org/boss/request.htm.
The above web link will take you to the Bureau of Street Services - Service Request Form, and is intended to be used by the public as an easy way of submitting Street Services Service Requests electronically.
The form asks you to provide specific information and is self explanatory.
If you are not able to access or use the online form, please e-mail your request to: bss.boss@lacity.org or you may phone in a service request to Street Services @ (800) 996-2489.
If you believe this is an emergency, please call them at (800) 996-2489.
Please note that a number of City departments are involved with the review and approval or denial of your request.
If your request is approved it is likely to take a while for the City Public Works Department to budget for and schedule the actual repairs - for non emergency situations.
For additional information regarding sidewalk repairs please see the following web sites:
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION / Sidewalk Reconstruction Program: http://www.lacity.org/boss/SpecialProjects/Sidewalks/sidewalks.htm
DO IT YOURSELF SIDEWALK REPAIR: http://www.lacity.org/boss/SpecialProjects/Sidewalks/diy.htm
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Fred Burkholder
fredburkholder@cox.net