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

Dallas requires a right-of-way permit for any construction work within the public right-of-way or any work outside that will cut, break, or damage it. Section 43-139 governs the permit process including application, conditions, and grounds for denial or revocation.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 43-139 & 43-141. Permit Portal: rowmanagement.dallascityhall.com. Scope: Any work in or affecting ROW. Requirements: Plans, traffic control, insurance.

Working in the public right-of-way without a permit violates Section 43-139 and may result in fines, stop-work orders, and requirement to restore the right-of-way at the violator's expense. Permit conditions violations may result in revocation.

Sidewalk Repair

Under Dallas Code Chapter 43, Article III, abutting property owners are responsible for repairing defective sidewalks and driveways. Section 43-63 requires owners to replace sidewalks that become defective, unsafe, or hazardous. Property owners are also liable for injuries caused by defective sidewalks under Section 43-33.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 43, Article III. Repair Duty: Abutting property owner. Liability: Owner liable for injuries (Sec. 43-33). Enforcement: City may repair and lien property.

Failure to repair defective sidewalks after city notice may result in the city performing repairs and placing a lien on the property for the cost. Property owners may also face civil liability for injuries caused by defective sidewalks under Section 43-33. Code Compliance can issue citations for non-compliant sidewalks.

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

Obstruction Rules

Dallas Chapter 43 prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way. Article VIII (Certain Uses of Public Right-of-Way) regulates what can be placed in the public way. Blocking a sidewalk requires a traffic control permit, and closures lasting more than one day must be marked with signage visible to the public.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 43, Article VIII. Permit Required: Yes, for blocking sidewalks. Signage: Required for closures over 1 day. Enforcement: Code Compliance & Public Works.

Unauthorized sidewalk obstructions may result in citations from Code Compliance. The city may remove obstructions at the owner's expense. Fines vary based on the nature and duration of the obstruction. Blocking ADA-accessible routes carries additional penalties.

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.