Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in New Orleans, LA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
New Orleans property owners aren't automatically on the hook for every sidewalk defect, but under § 146-190 the Department of Public Works can pave or repave a sidewalk when a defect endangers public safety, and if a hearing officer finds the owner actually caused the defect, the owner is billed for the work: with a lien on the property if unpaid.
New Orleans Property Owner Sidewalk Repair Liability
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 146-190
In the case of existing facilities, when the installation of a sidewalk/banquette is in the interest of public safety, or when a property owner creates or causes a defect in an existing sidewalk/banquette, the director of the department of public works may pave or repave such sidewalk/banquette. Upon the determination by a hearing officer, pursuant to Chapter 6, Article II of this Code, that a ...
Obstruction Rules
City Code § 146-494 bars obstructing any sidewalk, linear street or public alley, and lets police order a crowd blocking pedestrian passage to disperse. Refusing a police dispersal order is itself a chargeable offense under the section.
New Orleans Sidewalk Obstruction Rules
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 146-494
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct or cause to be obstructed any public space parallel to any sidewalk including linear streets, public rights-of-way, public alleys or any entrance or window of any building so as to prevent the free and proper use thereof.(b)If any person by performance of any outdoor act or activities causes a crowd to gather, and if the crowd makes passage by ...
Encroachment Permits
Section 146-532 requires a sidewalk use permit for any private extension of a licensed business onto a sidewalk or public space. Section 146-542 makes the permit revocable at will, non-transferrable, and explicitly not a vested property right.
New Orleans Sidewalk Use Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances §§ 146-532, 146-542
Sec. 146-532. Permit required. Use of any sidewalk or other public space for the extension of a licensed business shall be unlawful without a sidewalk use permit issued pursuant to this division. Sec. 146-542(a) Sidewalk use permits are subject to modification, suspension or revocation by the City of New Orleans at any time during the period of validity if the city requires the subject sidewalk...