Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Richmond puts sidewalk upkeep on the property next to it. Under Section 24-175, the owner abutting a sidewalk crossing is the presumed responsible party for maintaining and repairing both the crossing and the adjacent sidewalk pavement. Section 24-34 separately requires every occupant to clear snow from the abutting sidewalk within six hours of it stopping.
Richmond Sidewalk Repair Falls on Abutting Owner
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 24-175
The owner of any premises abutting that portion of public street right-of-way, whether in front or to any side, to which any form of sidewalk crossing may exist shall be the prima facie owner and responsible party for the maintenance of the sidewalk crossing, whether permitted or not, and adjacent section of sidewalk pavement thereof and shall indemnify and hold the City harmless for any claim ...
Obstruction Rules
Placing anything in a Richmond street, sidewalk, or public way without Public Works' consent is unlawful and automatically counts as a nuisance the city can abate. Encroachments include driveways, awnings, vents, signage, and utility vaults built into the right-of-way. The city can remove the obstruction after notice and bill the owner for the cost.
Richmond Bans Unauthorized Sidewalk Encroachments
Significant RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 24-25
Any unauthorized encroachment or other unauthorized use of a street, sidewalk or public way, including areas below, on or above the surface, shall be unlawful and shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated in any manner provided by law. Every person violating this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in Section 1-16.(b)The existence of particular types of encroachments in ...
Encroachment Permits
Any private use of a Richmond street, sidewalk, or public way beyond ordinary public passage needs sign-off from the Director of Public Works, the Director's designee, or City Council before work starts. Applicants pay a work-in-street permit fee, carry liability insurance, and post a bond guaranteeing removal and restoration of the right-of-way.
Richmond Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 24-59
No encroachment or other use of a street, sidewalk or public way, in a manner not otherwise permitted to the general public, shall be authorized without the consent of the Director of Public Works, the Director's designee or the City Council, except in accordance with this chapter. (Code 1993, § 25-41; Code 2004, § 90-66; Code 2015, § 24-59; Code 2020, § 24-59; Ord. No. 2004-368-331, § 1, 12...