Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Property owners must pave, curb, and keep their abutting sidewalk in repair at their own expense under Philadelphia Code § 11-505.
Philadelphia Sidewalk Repair Is Owner's Job
Significant RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 11-505(1)
The sidewalks of the all public streets, and the roadways and sidewalks of all private streets, shall be graded, curbed, paved and kept in repair at the expense of the owners of the land fronting thereon, except as otherwise provided in this Section.
Obstruction Rules
Fences, porches, garages, bulk windows, cellar doors, curb posts and other fixtures may not encroach on Philadelphia sidewalks beyond fixed limits, and none may go up without a building permit.
Philadelphia Sidewalk Obstruction Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 11-604(1), (5)
No structure listed in this Section shall be erected unless a building permit has been obtained. ... No fence or railing shall extend beyond the street line so as to reduce the width of the sidewalk to less than 16 feet where the width of the street is 100 feet or more... or to less than 8 feet where the width of the street is less than 50 feet.
Encroachment Permits
Storing materials, racks, chargers or other fixtures on a Philadelphia street or sidewalk requires a Department of Streets or L&I permit.
Philadelphia Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 11-605
Construction materials used in connection with the construction or repair of a building, footway or other structure may be temporarily stored upon the roadway if a permit to do so has been obtained. The permit shall be issued by the Department of Streets for such period of time as the Department deems necessary and reasonable... Unpaved Streets: Fifteen dollars ($15) for each building frontage ...