Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Dallas, TX (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
When a Dallas sidewalk, driveway, or its appurtenance becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, Sec. 43-63 puts the repair duty and the cost on the abutting property owner, not the city. Owners get 15 days to start the work and 30 days to finish it once the city's transportation or code compliance director sends written notice, or they are guilty of an offense.
Dallas Sidewalk Repair Is the Owner's Duty
Some RestrictionsDallas City Code Sec. 43-63(a), (c)
(a) When a sidewalk, driveway, or any appurtenance to a sidewalk or driveway becomes defective, unsafe, or hazardous, the abutting property owner shall reconstruct or repair the sidewalk, driveway, or appurtenance, and the expense of such work must be borne by the abutting property owner. ... (c) Any owner who fails to reconstruct or repair a defective, unsafe, or hazardous condition ...
Obstruction Rules
Blocking a Dallas sidewalk for construction requires a right-of-way permit, and any closure lasting more than a day must carry a sign with the contractor's name and a 24-hour emergency contact number. Under the older nuisance rule in Sec. 43-8, any obstruction left on a sidewalk is a separate offense for every day it remains.
Dallas Sidewalk Obstruction and Closure Rules
Some RestrictionsDallas City Code Secs. 43-139(d), 43-8
(d) The following additional procedures apply if it is necessary to close, in whole or in part, a public right-of-way for purposes of making a pavement cut or an excavation: (1) For any closure of a traffic lane or blocking of a sidewalk or alley lasting one day or less, the permittee shall conspicuously mark its vehicles with the permittee's name and telephone number. (2) Any...
Encroachment Permits
Placing a private encroachment in a Dallas public right-of-way, such as a utility line, awning, landscaping, or a historic building projection, requires a license granted by city council ordinance under Chapter 43, Article VI. Fees range from a $750 general application charge up to formula-based annual fees keyed to the appraised value of the abutting land.
Dallas Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsDallas City Code Secs. 43-112, 43-113, 43-115, 43-117
SEC. 43-112. APPLICATION; FEE. (a) If a person, or governmental entity operating a utility, desires to make use of any portion of the public right-of-way for a private or governmental utility use, the person...must apply in writing to the director. The application must be accompanied by plans or drawings showing the area to be used, a statement of the purpose for which the right-of-way is to be...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Dallas County →