Dallas City Council holds first reading of Ordinance 1922 to assign city responsibility for mid-block sidewalks

The Dallas City Council held a first reading of Ordinance 1922 on May 4, a proposed amendment to the city code that would define ownership and maintenance responsibilities for mid-block sidewalks.

City staff explained that the amendment targets sidewalks not immediately adjacent to streets — for example, segments that connect a trail or park to a street — and would identify who is responsible for maintenance and liability. "Ordinance number 1922 is an amendment to the Dallas City code pertaining to the ownership and maintenance of mid block sidewalks within the city limits," the presenter said, adding that the proposal was reviewed by the Public Works Committee.

The presentation cited examples such as sidewalks along the Ricker Elk Creek Trail or pathways from parks (the presenter referenced Lone Oak Park near a councilor's residence) to illustrate the types of pathways covered by the amendment. The presenter said the proposal as written would assign responsibility to the city for those sidewalks.

This was a first reading; the council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting. Council staff indicated the ordinance had been discussed in committee and will return for a subsequent reading (the council discussed scheduling and referenced May 11 as a calendar date). No vote to adopt the ordinance occurred during the May 4 session.

Votes at a glance: On the consent agenda, the council approved the April 20, 2026 meeting minutes. Councillor Schilling moved approval, Councillor Shane seconded, and the motion "passed unanimously" during the meeting's consent vote.

Next steps: Staff or sponsoring council members must bring any ordinance amendments back for second reading and formal adoption, and any budgetary implications for maintenance or liability will require staff analysis and possible inclusion in a future budget or capital plan.