Haverhill, MA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 222, Projections and Encroachments on Public Ways, requires a written City Council permit before anyone erects or maintains a sign, signboard, advertising device, clock, marquee, shade, awning, flag, article of merchandise, or similar structure that encroaches on or projects into or over a public way. Section 222-19(B) extends the same permit requirement to stepping stones, hitching posts, bicycle racks, gasoline supply apparatus, and goods or merchandise placed on a public way, again subject to City Council-set restrictions on size and location.

Every permit is revocable by the City Council at any time. Section 222-20 spells out what an application must state: the desired street location, the character and material of the object, its height above the sidewalk and how far it will project, whether any additional sidewalk space is needed and for how long, and how the structure will be supported or attached to a building. Applications for illuminated signs must also describe the lighting method, candle power per square foot, and hours of illumination, and under § 222-21 need written sign-off from the Inspector of Buildings, the Inspector of Wires, and, when necessary, the Fire Chief.

The standard permit fee is $50 under § 222-20C. Because the same section separately bans political banners across a street, this encroachment-permit process governs commercial and structural projections, not political signage, which is addressed on its own.