Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in New Bedford, MA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for New Bedford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
New Bedford puts sidewalk repair costs on the city, not the abutting owner. Code of Ordinances § 22-35(8) caps the city engineer's fee-assessment authority to installing brand-new sidewalks and bars any department from billing a resident for fixing an existing one without City Council sign-off.
New Bedford Sidewalk Repair Cost Rule
Light RestrictionsNew Bedford, MA Code of Ordinances § 22-35(8)
The authority granted under this section shall be limited to the installation of sidewalks where none existed previously and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, no department of the city shall have authority to promulgate any rule, regulation or order which imposes, or impose by any other means, a fee upon any resident or property owner for repairs and maintenance of sidewalks that e...
Obstruction Rules
New Bedford bans willfully or negligently blocking the free passage of pedestrians on any sidewalk. Sec. 17-9 of the city code applies citywide and is enforced by police, who can cite anyone whose body, goods, or gathering stops foot traffic.
New Bedford Sidewalk Obstruction Ordinance
Some RestrictionsNew Bedford Code of Ordinances § 17-9
Sec. 17-9. - Obstructing pedestrians on sidewalks. No person shall willfully or negligently obstruct the free passage of foot travelers upon a sidewalk. (Code 1963, § 14-131; Ord. of 4-10-80, § 1)
Encroachment Permits
Anyone wanting to place signs, awnings, marquees, phone booths, or vending machines that project onto a New Bedford street or sidewalk needs a City Council permit under § 22-70. The permit runs through a written petition to the council and expires after five years.
New Bedford Sidewalk Encroachment Permit
Significant RestrictionsNew Bedford, MA Code of Ordinances § 22-70
No person, corporation, partnership, association or like entity shall, in any manner, place or maintain signs, advertising devices, clocks, marquees, public telephones, telephone booths and other appurtenances thereto, permanent awnings and other like structures and vending machines projecting into or placed on or over the surface of any street or sidewalk within the city without first obtainin...
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New Bedford city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Bristol County →