Bensalem, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 197-33, part of Chapter 197's Article IV on street openings, prohibits placing signs, posts, steps, walls, fences, gasoline pumps, oil tanks or other, similar obstructions within the boundaries of any public place, meaning any Township street, road, alley, lane or sidewalk. The rule works alongside § 197-30, which separately bars excavation work from blocking access to fire hydrants, firehouses, manholes, valves or other vital public properties, and § 197-32(b), which bans stormwater or roof drains that discharge onto a sidewalk or undermine it. Enforcement under § 197-33 begins with written notice from the Township Council directing the property owner to remove the obstruction.

If the owner does not comply, the Council can send Township crews to remove it and then charge the removal cost back to the owner, independent of any court fine. Article IV's general penalty at § 197-35 also applies to a violation of § 197-33: a District Justice can fine an owner, person, firm, association or corporation up to $600 for each offense, treating each day the obstruction remains as a separate offense, with commitment to the Bucks County jail for up to 30 days if the fine and prosecution costs are not paid.