Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Garland, TX

If you live in Garland or are thinking about moving there, sidewalk & pedestrian rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Garland has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Obstruction Rules

It's unlawful in Garland to obstruct any sidewalk by selling merchandise on it, setting up a stand or stall, or leaving a barrel, box or similar object in the path of travel. Merchants may use up to half the sidewalk in front of their business to receive and forward goods, but only for up to one hour.

Key details: Obstruction ban: Selling goods, stands, stalls on sidewalks. Merchant allowance: Up to 1/2 sidewalk width. Time limit for goods: 1 hour. Defense: Active City sidewalk-space license. Also barred: Blocking church/theater entrances.

Obstructing a City sidewalk under section 30.197 is a Chapter 30 offense, enforced under the general penalty in section 10.05: a fine of up to $500 for most Code violations, or up to $2,000 if the violation also implicates fire safety, zoning or public health, with each day the obstruction continues counted as a separate offense. Holding a valid sidewalk-space license for that exact time and location is an affirmative defense to prosecution.

Sidewalk Repair

Garland places the duty to keep sidewalks, parkways, and driveways safe squarely on the abutting property owner, not the City. The Code spells out exactly what counts as hazardous, including a two-inch elevation difference between slabs, cross-slopes over 5 percent, and spalled or missing sections, under § 31.134.

Key details: Responsible party: Abutting property owner. Repair deadline: 30 days after Streets Dept. notice. Hazard threshold: 2-inch elevation difference between slabs. Cross-slope limit: 5 percent maximum. City lien interest: 10% per annum if City repairs and bills.

Failing to repair a defective or hazardous sidewalk within 30 days after the Streets Department's written notice is an offense under § 31.136. Beyond prosecution, the City can perform the repair itself and place a lien on the property for the cost, plus 10 percent annual interest, and the abutting owner remains primarily liable for any injury the hazard causes under § 31.135.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone wanting to place a minor or temporary structure, sign, or use into a Garland street, alley, easement, or other City right-of-way needs an encroachment license from the Director of Engineering under § 31.117. The license only covers uses that will not significantly affect the public interest or unreasonably interfere with the right-of-way's purpose or other existing uses.

Key details: License issued by: Director of Engineering. Covers: Minor or temporary street/alley/easement encroachments. Council referral: Director may send any request to City Council. Related permit: Separate permit for excavations/cuts (§ 31.115). Mud cleanup deadline: 48 hours before City abates and liens.

Encroaching into a street, alley, easement, or other City right-of-way without a license issued under § 31.117, or without the excavation and connection permits required by § 31.115, is enforced as a general Code violation. Because Article VIII sets no separate fine, the City's general penalty in § 10.05 applies, capping conviction at a $500.00 fine per offense.

The Bottom Line

Garland'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 Garland is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Garland'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.