Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Moore, OK Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit authority
City engineer, discretionary
Covers
Awnings, canopies, stairways, cellar ways over ROW
Condition
Maintenance contract plus indemnity agreement required
Standard
Approved only where health/safety/necessity demand it
Penalty
Up to $500 per day, Sec. 1-108

Summary

Moore bans building any stairway, awning post, canopy, cellar way, or similar structure that projects over a public street or sidewalk unless the city engineer grants a permit. Section 14-105 lets the engineer set maintenance conditions and requires an indemnity agreement protecting the city from resulting damage or loss.

It is unlawful for any person to erect or construct, or cause to be erected or constructed, any cellar or basement way, stairway, door, awning post, canopy or any other kind of structure projecting into, upon or over, and adjoining any street or sidewalk within the city, except that the city engineer may, in his discretion, authorize the same to be done, where the public health, safety and necessity demand, by granting a permit therefor. ... Upon the granting of a permit under this section, conditions as to the erection of the structure through, upon or over any street or sidewalk may be fixed by the city engineer, and a contract shall be entered into as to the maintenance of the structure and as indemnifying agreement secured, indemnifying and saving the city harmless from any loss, costs or damage by reason of the structure projecting into, upon or over, and adjoining any street or sidewalk within the fire limits of the city.

Full Breakdown

Section 14-105 of the Moore Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to erect or construct any cellar or basement way, stairway, door, awning post, canopy, or any other kind of structure that projects into, upon, or over an adjoining street or sidewalk within the city. The only way around that ban is a discretionary permit from the city engineer, who may authorize the encroachment when public health, safety, and necessity demand it. If the city engineer grants the permit, the section gives the engineer authority to fix conditions on how the structure is erected and maintained through, upon, or over the street or sidewalk.

The property owner must also enter into a contract covering maintenance of the structure and sign an indemnifying agreement that protects the city from any loss, cost, or damage caused by the structure projecting over the public way, specifically within the city's fire limits. This section, carried forward from Prior Code Section 20-2, applies to physical, permanent-style projections such as awnings, canopies, and below-grade stairwells rather than to temporary sidewalk sales or short-term obstructions, which fall under the separate obstruction provisions of Sections 14-101 and 14-104.

Property owners in Moore's downtown and commercial districts most often need this permit for canopies or covered walkways that extend past the property line into the public right-of-way in front of a storefront.

Violations & Fines

Building an unpermitted structure over a Moore street or sidewalk is an offense under Chapter 14-1's general penalty, Section 14-112, tied to Section 1-108's citywide cap of up to $500 per violation. The city engineer can also require removal of the unpermitted encroachment, and each day it remains is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approves a canopy or awning that extends over a Moore sidewalk?
The city engineer approves it under Section 14-105, at his or her discretion, and only where public health, safety, and necessity demand the encroachment. The engineer can set specific conditions on how the structure is built and maintained before issuing the permit.
Does Moore require an indemnity agreement for sidewalk encroachments?
Yes. Section 14-105 requires the property owner to enter into a maintenance contract and sign an indemnifying agreement that protects the city from any loss, cost, or damage caused by a structure projecting over a street or sidewalk within the city's fire limits before the encroachment permit takes effect.
What happens if I build over a Moore sidewalk without a permit?
It's a violation of Section 14-105, enforced through Chapter 14-1's penalty section, Sec. 14-112, and the city's general $500 fine cap in Sec. 1-108. The city engineer can require you to remove the structure, and every day it stays up without a permit is treated as another offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Moore

All Moore rules

Compare Moore to another location·View the Oklahoma sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

Get notified when Encroachment Permits in Moore, OK changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle encroachment permits.

Norman, OK
Significant Restrictions