Cheyenne's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Encroachment Permits

Cheyenne requires a right-of-way encroachment permit before anyone builds, removes, or repairs a sidewalk, curb, driveway, or does other work in the public right-of-way.

Key details: Permit required: Right-of-way encroachment permit. Covers: Sidewalk, curb, driveway, street work. Fee basis: Valuation of the work. Administered by: City engineer. Exception: City engineer may waive.

No set penalty in this section, so the city's general penalty applies: a misdemeanor fine up to $750 plus costs, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

Obstruction Rules

Cheyenne bans erecting or maintaining any obstruction on streets, alleys, or sidewalks unless the city code or another ordinance permits it.

Key details: Governing section: City Code 12.04.010. Max fine: $750. Max jail: 6 months. Continuing violation: Each day is separate offense. Exceptions: Council may permit temporary obstructions.

A violation is a misdemeanor under Chapter 1.24's general penalty: a fine up to $750, up to six months in jail, or both. Each day the obstruction continues is a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cheyenne's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Sidewalk Repair

In Cheyenne, the property owner next to a sidewalk, driveway, curb, or gutter pays for repair or replacement once the city engineer finds it deteriorated, dislocated, or otherwise unsafe under the street standards ordinance.

Key details: Governing section: Cheyenne City Code 12.04.120. Who pays: Abutting property owner. Notice period: 30 days to repair. If unresolved: City hires contractor, bills owner. Snow/ice duty: Separate 24-hour clearance rule, 8.60.090.

Ignore a repair notice and the city hires its own contractor to fix the sidewalk, then bills the property owner for the job, sidewalk work, curbing, grading and notice costs, as a special assessment against the property.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Cheyenne's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.