How Revere Handles Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: A Practical Guide

Revere maintains 121 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 Revere falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone who wants an awning, marquee, sign or other structure to project over a Revere sidewalk needs written permission from the City Council, not just a building permit. Structures may extend no more than 36 inches over the public way and must clear at least nine feet overhead, backed by $1,000,000 in liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured.

Key details: Permit authority: Revere City Council. Max projection: 36 inches over the public way. Min clearance: 9 feet above the sidewalk. Required insurance: $1,000,000 per occurrence, city insured. Pre-requisite: Site Plan Review approval first.

A projection installed without City Council permission, or one that exceeds the 36-inch/nine-foot dimensional limits or lapses on its $1,000,000 liability coverage, exposes the owner to permit suspension or revocation. Revocation requires the City Council to first notify the owner of the grounds and hold a public hearing before pulling the permit; the Building Inspector enforces day-to-day compliance and can flag deteriorated or unmaintained awnings.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Revere actively enforces its encroachment permits requirements.

Obstruction Rules

Revere bars placing lumber, coal, boxes, crates, signs, advertisements, or anything else on a public way or sidewalk if it blocks travelers' passage. A police officer can order the item removed, and the owner gets exactly one hour to comply. Contractors may use the sidewalk for building work only with a Section 12.04.050 permit.

Key details: Removal window: 1 hour after police notice. Enforcing officer: Any Revere police officer. Max fine: $300 per offense (§ 1.16.010). Continuing violation: Each day is a separate offense. Permit exception: Building-use permit, § 12.04.050.

Leaving a listed item, or anything else, on a sidewalk or public way after a police officer has ordered its removal is a violation once one hour passes. The city can then remove the obstruction at the owner's expense under Section 12.04.070. Fines run under the citywide general penalty, Section 1.16.010: up to $300 per offense, and each day the obstruction remains is a separate offense, so a multi-day encroachment can compound quickly.

The Bottom Line

Revere'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 Revere is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Revere'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.