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

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Kennewick, Washington, 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.

Obstruction Rules

Kennewick Municipal Code § 5.56.210 bars placing any obstruction in a public street, sidewalk, alley or easement that impedes or inconveniences travel, with the only exception being traffic control devices approved under § 5.56.150. The same section separately bans dumping garbage cans, leaves, grass clippings, prunings or other debris in the public right-of-way and prohibits burning debris on an improved street or sidewalk surface.

Key details: Governing section: KMC § 5.56.210, Miscellaneous Obstructions. Obstruction ban: No obstruction impeding travel except approved traffic devices. Debris ban: No cans, leaves, clippings or debris in right-of-way. Burning ban: No burning debris on roadway or sidewalk surfaces. Default penalty: Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail.

A first violation of Section 5.56.210 is prosecuted as a misdemeanor under Section 1.12.010, carrying a fine up to $1,000.00, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Because Section 1.12.040 makes each day a continuing violation a separate offense, an obstruction or dumped debris pile left in the right-of-way for a week can generate multiple counts. Public Works and Kennewick Police both have authority to cite obstructions under this chapter.

Encroachment Permits

Kennewick requires a Public Works construction permit before any private work in a public street or right-of-way, from utility crossings to driveway cuts, and only a bonded contractor may perform it.

Key details: Permit required: Any work in public street/ROW. Contractor: Must be bonded. No permit: Stop-work order issued. Late permit penalty: 50% added to fee.

Starting work without a permit lets the Deputy Director of Public Works issue a stop-work order, and obtaining a permit after work begins adds a 50 percent penalty to the permit cost under KMC 5.56.060(2).

Sidewalk Repair

Kennewick puts sidewalk, planting-strip and driveway upkeep on the abutting property owner, who must fix disrepair, weeds or hazards within 30 days of written notice from Public Works or Code Enforcement.

Key details: Responsible party: Abutting property owner. Cure period: 30 days after written notice. Enforcer: Public Works / Code Enforcement. Ongoing violation: Each day counts separately.

Each day a sidewalk, planting strip, driveway or right-of-way frontage stays in disrepair after the 30-day notice period is a separate violation of KMC 5.56.360(3), and unauthorized marking of a public sidewalk is also barred.

The Bottom Line

Kennewick'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 Kennewick is broadly strict or permissive.

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