Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Franklin County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Franklin County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Franklin County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Obstruction Rules

In unincorporated Franklin County, no one may block or occupy county right-of-way, which includes any sidewalk area between the curb and the adjacent property line, without a right-of-way encroachment permit from the Board of County Commissioners. Public Works enforces Franklin County Code Chapter 10.18: unauthorized obstructions get a removal notice, and anything left past the deadline becomes unlawful property the county can confiscate, remove, or destroy with no compensation to the owner.

Franklin County Right-of-Way Obstruction Removal

Significant Restrictions

Franklin County Code § 10.18.050(H)

H.Order to Remove Obstructions—Removal by County. Whenever the county determines that it is necessary for the convenience and safety of public travel, or for the use of any county road for construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance, to have any portion of the right-of-way free from any and all obstructions, encroachments, and occupancy, the county shall notify all owners of a...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

No adjoining property owner may use any part of a Franklin County road right-of-way without Board of County Commissioners permission. Franklin County Code § 10.18.040 requires that permission come through a right-of-way encroachment permit issued by the Public Works Department, subject to the county engineer's approval.

Franklin County Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit

Significant Restrictions

Franklin County Code § 10.18.040

A.No portion of the right-of-way may be utilized by an adjoining property owner without the permission of the board of county commissioners. Said permission shall only be granted through the issuance of a right-of-way encroachment permit available at the public works department.B.Encroachments permitted by the board of county commissioners shall be subject to the terms and conditions contained ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Franklin County ordinances

See every category we cover for Franklin County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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