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

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Dallas, Texas, 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

Placing a private encroachment in a Dallas public right-of-way, such as a utility line, awning, landscaping, or a historic building projection, requires a license granted by city council ordinance under Chapter 43, Article VI. Fees range from a $750 general application charge up to formula-based annual fees keyed to the appraised value of the abutting land.

Key details: General application fee: $750, other uses. Historic structure encroachment: $1,000 per year. Railroad crossing fee: $50 per track minimum. Air-rights formula: area x value x 85% x 85% x 12%. Default term: 10 years if unspecified.

Occupying the public right-of-way for a private use without a license, or in violation of Article VI, is an offense carrying a fine of up to $500 for each day the violation continues (Sec. 43-117(a)). An owner, occupant, tenant, or licensee who fails to keep the sidewalks, curbs, and private structures within the licensed area in good repair is guilty of maintaining a nuisance, also fined up to $500 per day, except this repair duty does not extend to railroad crossings (Sec. 43-117(b), (c)). The director may terminate a license if the grantee fails to meet any condition of the license (Sec. 43-118).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Dallas actively enforces its encroachment permits requirements.

Sidewalk Repair

When a Dallas sidewalk, driveway, or its appurtenance becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, Sec. 43-63 puts the repair duty and the cost on the abutting property owner, not the city. Owners get 15 days to start the work and 30 days to finish it once the city's transportation or code compliance director sends written notice, or they are guilty of an offense.

Key details: Governing section: Dallas City Code Sec. 43-63. Repair duty: Abutting property owner, full cost. Deadline to begin: 15 days after written notice. Deadline to finish: 30 days after written notice. Related liability: Sec. 43-33: owner liable for injuries.

An owner who neither starts repairs within 15 days of written notice nor finishes within 30 days is guilty of an offense under Sec. 43-63(c), and Code Compliance can also perform or contract the repair and bill or lien the property. An owner who ignores a known defect can additionally be sued for injuries under the civil liability standard in Sec. 43-33.

Obstruction Rules

Blocking a Dallas sidewalk for construction requires a right-of-way permit, and any closure lasting more than a day must carry a sign with the contractor's name and a 24-hour emergency contact number. Under the older nuisance rule in Sec. 43-8, any obstruction left on a sidewalk is a separate offense for every day it remains.

Key details: Permit required: Sec. 43-139 right-of-way permit. Signage trigger: Closures over 1 day. Advance notice: 72 hrs if work exceeds 2 weeks. Daily penalty: Separate offense each day (Sec. 43-8). Full closures: Alternative property access required.

Blocking a sidewalk without the required permit, or without the mandated closure signage, is enforceable by Code Compliance and Public Works, and Sec. 43-8 makes every day the obstruction remains a separate, chargeable offense rather than one continuing violation. Leaving an uncovered opening or broken sidewalk section under Sec. 43-7 carries the same daily-offense exposure.

The Bottom Line

Dallas'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 Dallas is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Dallas's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.