Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Columbus, OH (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Columbus puts sidewalk and driveway-entrance repair squarely on the abutting property owner, with a permit required before any work and a misdemeanor charge for letting damage sit.
Columbus Sidewalk Repair Responsibility
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 905.06
The abutting private property owner shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of all sidewalks and driveway entrances within the abutting right-of-way or easement for any improved or unimproved street, alley, or other public way within the city, which provides access around, in, or to said private property.
Obstruction Rules
Columbus Code § 902.02 bars placing furniture, signs, vending gear, or any obstruction on sidewalks, bikeways, streets, or the right-of-way without a Director-issued right-of-way permit.
Columbus Sidewalk Obstruction Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 902.02
(a)No person, regardless of intent, shall place, deposit, maintain, or use, or cause or permit to be placed, deposited, maintained, or used upon any street, alley, sidewalk, bikeway, highway, or right-of-way any materials, containers, vending equipment, structures, appliances, furniture, merchandise, bench, stand, sign, or advertising of any kind, or any other similar device or obstruction exce...
Encroachment Permits
Columbus requires a permit from the Director of Public Service before anyone repairs, installs, or maintains any structure, sign, or utility line in the public right-of-way, per City Code § 903.01(b).
Columbus Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 903.01
All persons wishing to occupy the public right-of-way of any street, alley, sidewalk, bikeway, public way or paving of the city in order to repair, replace, renovate, extend, refurbish, alter, mark, decorate, install, or maintain any building, structure, surface, pole, conduit, pipe, wires, sign or graphic, cable, sewer or drain structure or building connection of any kind above, near or adjace...
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Franklin County →