How Redding Handles Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: A Practical Guide

Redding maintains 137 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redding falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encroachment Permits

Redding bans placing any obstruction on a public sidewalk, parkway, street or pedestrian mall unless the city has issued an encroachment permit. Potted plants, clocks, drinking fountains and similar private fixtures need a written permit from the director of transportation and engineering before they go on a public sidewalk.

Key details: Governing section: RMC § 13.24.010. Permit issuer: Director of transportation and engineering. Pedestrian mall permits: Issued by the city clerk. Clear path required: 5 feet for pedestrians at all times. Merchant loading exception: 2 hours to remove goods from sidewalk.

Maintaining an unpermitted obstruction on a public sidewalk or parkway is a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty section, RMC Section 1.12.020, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in county jail unless the city attorney reduces the charge to an infraction, which then carries escalating fines of $100, $200 and $500 for a first, second and third violation within a year. Section 13.24.010(A) treats each day an obstruction remains as a separate offense, so daily fines can stack. The superintendent of streets may also remove the obstruction directly, bill the owner for removal costs under Section 13.24.020, and auction unclaimed items after five days' notice if the owner refuses to pay.

Obstruction Rules

Redding declares it a nuisance to place any obstruction in a public street, alley, parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall, though merchants get a two-hour loading window and a five-foot path must always stay clear for pedestrians, under Redding Municipal Code § 13.24.010.

Key details: Merchant loading exception: 2 hours to clear goods from sidewalk. Pedestrian clearance required: 5-foot clear path at all times. Repeat violation rule: Each day obstruction remains is a separate offense. Removal notice: 1 hour verbal notice from superintendent of streets. Unpaid removal cost: City may auction obstruction after 5 days' notice.

Maintaining or permitting an obstruction in a public street, alley, parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall is a separate offense for every day it continues under § 13.24.010; under § 13.24.020 the city can remove the obstruction after one hour's notice, bill the owner for the cost, and, if unpaid, seize and auction the obstruction after five days' posted public notice.

The Bottom Line

Redding'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 Redding is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Redding'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.