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

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Richmond, Virginia, 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.

Sidewalk Repair

Richmond puts sidewalk upkeep on the property next to it. Under Section 24-175, the owner abutting a sidewalk crossing is the presumed responsible party for maintaining and repairing both the crossing and the adjacent sidewalk pavement. Section 24-34 separately requires every occupant to clear snow from the abutting sidewalk within six hours of it stopping.

Key details: Primary duty: Abutting property owner. Governing section: § 24-175(b), sidewalk crossings. Snow removal window: 6 hours after snowfall stops. Overnight snow deadline: 11:00 a.m. next morning. Snow penalty: Class 4 misdemeanor, up to $250.

Ducking sidewalk-crossing maintenance under Section 24-175(b) exposes the owner to indemnification liability if someone is hurt, and the Department of Public Works can remove a neglected or hazardous crossing under Section 24-176. Missing the six-hour snow-clearing deadline under Section 24-34 is a Class 4 misdemeanor, fine up to $250.00, plus the City's abatement cost if it has to clear the walk itself; residents who are physically disabled or 65 or older are exempt from the criminal penalty.

Obstruction Rules

Placing anything in a Richmond street, sidewalk, or public way without Public Works' consent is unlawful and automatically counts as a nuisance the city can abate. Encroachments include driveways, awnings, vents, signage, and utility vaults built into the right-of-way. The city can remove the obstruction after notice and bill the owner for the cost.

Key details: Governing section: § 24-25, unauthorized encroachments. Enforcing agency: Public Works / Chief Administrative Officer. Default penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor, fine up to $2,500. Legal status: Nuisance, subject to abatement. Cost recovery: Abatement + use charge billed like taxes.

Section 24-25 does not specify a misdemeanor class, so under the Code's general penalty rule (Section 1-16) a conviction defaults to a Class 1 misdemeanor: a fine of up to $2,500.00, up to 12 months in jail, or both. On top of any fine, the city can recover its abatement costs and the Section 24-28 use charge, both collected in the same manner as delinquent city real estate taxes.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Richmond actively enforces its obstruction rules requirements.

Encroachment Permits

Any private use of a Richmond street, sidewalk, or public way beyond ordinary public passage needs sign-off from the Director of Public Works, the Director's designee, or City Council before work starts. Applicants pay a work-in-street permit fee, carry liability insurance, and post a bond guaranteeing removal and restoration of the right-of-way.

Key details: Approval needed: Public Works Director, designee, or Council. Base fee: $75 work-in-street application. Insurance floor: $1,000,000 combined liability. Homeowner alternative: $300,000 combined liability. Bond required: Unless waived for good cause.

Encroaching or using the right-of-way without the Section 24-59 consent is treated as an unauthorized encroachment under Section 24-25, prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500.00 under the Code's general penalty section, plus abatement costs. Permit holders who ignore the terms and conditions in Section 24-62 risk revocation, and construction work started before a separate work permit issues under Section 24-62(a)(11) is itself a violation.

The Bottom Line

Richmond'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 Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richmond'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.