Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Ann Arbor, MI (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Ann Arbor, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Ann Arbor law puts the duty to keep an abutting public sidewalk in good repair on the adjacent property owner, and the city can fix it and bill the owner as a special assessment if they don't.
Ann Arbor Sidewalk Repair Responsibility
Some RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 4:58(A)
Except as provided in subsections (B), (C), (D), and (E) of this section 4:58, all sidewalks within the city shall be kept and maintained in good repair by the owner of the land adjacent to and abutting upon the same, and if any owner shall neglect to keep and maintain the sidewalk...in good repair and safe for the use of the public, the said owner shall be liable to the city for any damages re...
Obstruction Rules
Ann Arbor's Chapter 47 streets ordinance flatly bars placing or maintaining any obstruction in a street or sidewalk unless the city has specifically permitted it, with narrow carve-outs for brief loading and lawful parking.
Ann Arbor Bars Sidewalk Obstructions
Some RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 4:2(2) (Chapter 47 — Streets)
No person shall place or maintain any article, thing or obstruction in any street, except as specifically permitted by this Code, but this provision shall not be deemed to prohibit such temporary obstructions as may be incidental to the expeditious movement of articles and things to and from abutting premises, nor to the lawful parking of vehicles within the part of the street reserved for vehi...
Encroachment Permits
Ann Arbor requires a revocable City Administrator permit before anyone occupies part of a public street or sidewalk with objects, structures or vendor equipment, judged against a detailed list of interference and safety conditions.
Ann Arbor Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit
Significant RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 4:14(1)(a), (b), (i), (k)
The City Administrator may issue revocable permits to occupy a portion of any city street or sidewalk if the Administrator determines the occupancy will not:(a)Interfere with the use of the street or sidewalk for pedestrian or vehicular travel.(b)Unreasonably interfere with the view or access to or use of property adjacent to said street...(i)Be in or adjacent to property zoned exclusively for ...