The answer is local
Oregon does not have one simple rule for every residential walkway. A private path entirely on your lot may be treated differently from a sidewalk, curb ramp or driveway approach in the public right-of-way.
Right-of-way work
Cities commonly control dimensions, grades, materials and inspections where concrete meets public streets. Performing work first can lead to removal if it misses standards.
Accessibility and transitions
Public routes may have requirements for clear width, cross slope, curb ramps and detectable warnings. A practical private path can also benefit from accessible planning even where a specific standard does not apply.
Utilities and trees
Call for utility locates before excavation. Street trees and root zones may be regulated. Moving a path is often wiser than cutting major roots.
Verify before publishing or building
Contact the city or county for the address, describe whether work is private or in the right-of-way, and ask who pulls the permit and requests inspection. This article is decision guidance, not municipal approval.
Turn research into a site-specific plan.
Online guidance can narrow choices, but elevations, soil, access and use determine the actual scope. A free site walk replaces assumptions with a written proposal.
Request a Site Walk