Rockford, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

City Code § 26-32 makes it unlawful to obstruct or encroach on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public place without permission from the city engineer or designee, following the obstruction and encroachment policy the city council adopted November 23, 2009. Section 26-33 separately bans erecting or placing structures, stones, boulders, fences, steps, galleries, on public right-of-way, and § 26-2.1 requires a permit for any work within city right-of-way. Encroachments found without a permit can be removed by the city engineer or police, with costs billed to the owner under § 26-21.