Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Washington County, MN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

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

Obstruction Rules

Placing any object in a Washington County road right-of-way, including public sidewalks and trails, so it hinders free and open passage requires an Obstruction Permit from the County Engineer first. The rule sits in the county's Right of Way Management Ordinance No. 188 and covers county road corridors, not city-maintained streets.

Washington County Right-of-Way Obstruction Permit

Some Restrictions

Washington County Ordinance No. 188, § 1.09, Subd. 1(d)

Subd. 1(d). Obstruction Permit. An Obstruction Permit shall be obtained from the County before a person may obstruct any part of a County right of way when the applicant's proposed activity will hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the right of way. The applicant shall also obtain a Right of Way Permit or Access Permit, as determined by the Engineer, in addition to any Obs...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

Anyone who wants to place a structure, signage, utility connection, or other private improvement in a Washington County road right-of-way must first obtain a Right of Way Permit from the County Engineer. It is the county's general encroachment permit and often has to be stacked with a more specific permit for the same project.

Washington County Right-of-Way Permit for Private Use

Some Restrictions

Washington County Ordinance No. 188, § 1.09, Subd. 1(e)

Subd. 1(e). Right of Way Permit. A Right of Way Permit shall be obtained from the County before a person may effect a temporary or permanent impact or alteration to any County right of way, including but not limited to excavating, grading, removal of vegetation, and placement of utilities, utility service connections, signing, structures or temporary obstructions. The Engineer may require the a...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Washington County ordinances

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

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