Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Amherst, NY (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Amherst, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
In Amherst, the owner or occupant of any property fronting a street must repair, keep safe and maintain the abutting sidewalk themselves, including trimming overhanging vegetation and clearing hazards.
Amherst Sidewalk Repair Duty on Owners
Some RestrictionsAmherst Code § 83-9-5(5-1.1); § 83-1-5(5-4)(C)
The owner or occupant of any premises fronting or abutting on any street or highway shall repair, keep safe and maintain any sidewalk abutting the premises and keep it free and clear from snow, ice, dirt or other obstruction. All trees, shrubs, plants and other vegetation must be cut back to a height of eight feet directly above the surface of any sidewalk. Any such owner or occupant shall be l...
Obstruction Rules
Amherst's zoning code limits how far businesses can push outdoor merchandise displays off their building wall, and flatly bars any display that blocks a sidewalk, window, entrance or exit.
Amherst Rules on Sidewalk-Blocking Displays
Some RestrictionsAmherst Code § 7-4-3(A) (Zoning Ordinance, Ch. 203)
Outdoor display shall be allowed adjacent to a principal building wall and may only extend a distance no greater than five feet from the wall. Such display shall not be permitted to block windows, entrances or exits, and shall not impair the ability of pedestrians to use the building and sidewalk. Outdoor display may not occupy more than 30 percent of the linear distance along any principal bui...
Encroachment Permits
Anyone building a driveway or recessed parking area across a curb, sidewalk or shoulder on a Town highway in Amherst must first get a curb cut permit from the Town Superintendent of Highways. The permit application requires a plot plan and must meet detailed placement standards before work starts.
Amherst Curb Cut Permit for Driveways
Some RestrictionsAmherst Code § 95-3
Any person desiring to construct a driveway approach or recessed parking area across any curbing, sidewalk or shoulder on a Town highway shall first make application for a permit to the Town Superintendent of Highways. The application shall be in writing upon a form to be provided for the Superintendent of Highways for that purpose and available at the office of the Superintendent.
Looking for Erie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Amherst city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Erie County →