Liability for damages.
Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 645-561
in effectSec. 645-561. - Liability for damages.
(a) The owner and the person in possession of the abutting premises in front of which a coalhole, vault or other structure or use subject to this division is constructed, and an opening therefor is made in the street or sidewalk, shall be held responsible to the city and all other persons for any and all damages, judgments and expenses resulting to the city or to other persons or property in consequence of any defect or other negligence in the construction, maintenance or use of such vault, coalhole or any other opening, structures or use, or for allowing the use, or any portion thereof, to become and remain out of repair or unsafe. The owner shall be required to keep the vault, coalhole or other opening, its walls, coverings and other parts and structures, in good order at all times, and upon his failure to do so, the city may do so and collect such cost from him.
(b) The owner and the person in possession of any premises abutting on any coalhole, vault or other opening subject to this division shall be held responsible to the city for any and all damages, judgments, losses and expenses to the city, or which is so caused to other persons or property, in consequence of the aperture in the sidewalk being left exposed and uncovered, or the covering being defective or left unsafe, insecure or unfastened; or for any damages, judgments, losses and expenses resulting to the city or other persons from any other violation by such persons of any provisions of this division or Code.
(Code 1975, § 28-241)
Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH645PURI-W_ARTVUSOCPUWA_DIV2OVSUUS_S645-561LIDAFetched: 10/27/2026