Augusta-Richmond County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Encroachment permit fee
- $25 plus $25 per inspection
- Sidewalks under 10 feet
- No sidewalk cafe encroachment allowed
- 10-19 foot sidewalks
- Up to 5 feet, 5 feet clear
- 20+ foot sidewalks
- Up to 10 feet, 10 feet clear
- Loose merchandise
- Must be removed from sidewalk daily
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County bans physical encroachments and business conduct on public sidewalks, but designates a right-of-way encroachment zone for tables, chairs, planters, signs and sidewalk cafes under Planning & Development Department permits.
There shall be no physical encroachments or conduct of business on public sidewalks in Augusta-Richmond County, except where buildings on lots, which adjoin such public sidewalks, are set back ten (10) feet or less from the right-of-way line upon which such sidewalks are located. On the sidewalks in front of such lots there is hereby designated a right-of-way encroachment zone.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Code § 3-8-11.1 bans furniture, planters, benches, signage and merchandise from Augusta-Richmond sidewalks, except in a right-of-way encroachment zone that exists only where the adjoining building sits within 10 feet of the right-of-way line. Sidewalk cafes require a Planning & Development Department permit: sidewalks under 10 feet wide get zero cafe encroachment, 10-19 foot sidewalks allow up to 5 feet of tables with 5 feet of clear passage remaining, and sidewalks 20 feet or wider allow up to 10 feet with 10 feet kept clear. The encroachment permit fee is $25, covering one inspection.
Violations & Fines
Operating a sidewalk cafe or placing unauthorized encroachments without a Planning & Development Department permit is unlawful; permits are non-transferable and can be revoked for cause tied to the business tax certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a restaurant put tables on the sidewalk in Augusta-Richmond County?
How much sidewalk space can a cafe use?
Is loitering that blocks a sidewalk also illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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