The property owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on or adjacent to any portion of a street or any portion of a sidewalk area between the property line of the lots and the street line and any persons in possession of such lots by virtue of any permit or right, shall owe a duty to members of the public to keep and maintain the sidewalk area in a safe and nondangerous condition. If as a result of the failure of any property owner to maintain the sidewalk area in a nondangerous condition, any person suffers injury or damage to person or property, the property owner shall be liable to such person for the resulting damages or injury. (Ord. 1970 NCS § 3 (part), 1994.)