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

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Fairfield, California, there are 2 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.

Obstruction Rules

Fairfield bans hedges, fences, or other plantings from blocking any sidewalk walkway and prohibits any right-of-way obstruction that blocks pedestrian travel or blocks sight distance for traffic, under City Code section 16.4.24; violating Article I of Chapter 16 is a misdemeanor.

Key details: Governing section: FMC §16.4.24, Article I of Chapter 16. Hedges/fences: May not block any sidewalk walkway. Maintenance duty: Owner must keep right-of-way plantings neat, orderly. Visibility rule: Poles/obstructions may need reflectors, FMC §16.4.21. Lawns: Allowed in right-of-way without permit, can't block travel.

Maintaining a hedge, fence, or other obstruction across a sidewalk walkway, or otherwise blocking pedestrian or vehicular travel or sight distance within the right-of-way, is unlawful under section 16.4.24 and, per section 16.4.29, constitutes a misdemeanor subject to the Fairfield City Code's general penalty provisions. The Director of Public Works can also order the property owner or permittee to remove the obstruction and restore the right-of-way at their own expense.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone who wants to build, place, or maintain anything in a Fairfield street right-of-way or watercourse, from a fence to a utility trench, needs an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works under City Code sections 16.4.3 and 16.4.4 before starting work.

Key details: Permit issuer: Director of Public Works, FMC §§16.4.3-16.4.6. Start deadline: Work must begin within 7 calendar days. Completion deadline: Work must finish within 14 days unless extended. Financial security: Cash performance bond plus $100,000 liability insurance. Unpermitted work: Triggers special field investigation fee, §16.4.6(m).

Excavating, building, or otherwise encroaching on a public right-of-way without a valid permit, or continuing work after a permit voids for missed deadlines, is unlawful under Article I of Chapter 16 and constitutes a misdemeanor under section 16.4.29, subject to the general penalty provisions of the Fairfield City Code. The Director of Public Works can also cancel a permit and restore the right-of-way at the permittee's expense if work stalls or safeguards are not maintained.

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

The Bottom Line

Fairfield'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 Fairfield is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fairfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.