Birmingham, AL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

City Code § 4-5-23 is the general rule: "No person shall obstruct any street or sidewalk or part thereof in any manner not permitted by this Code or other ordinance of the city with any animal or vehicle or with boxes or barrels, glass, trash, rubbish or display of wares, merchandise or sidewalk signs or other like things, so as to obstruct the free passage of persons on the streets or sidewalks or any part thereof."

Several neighboring sections spell out specific obstructions under the same chapter. Section 4-5-25 bars erecting any "stand for the sale of fruit, flowers, candy, jewelry or trinkets," bootblack stand, bulletin board, feed trough, table, box, bin, rack, showcase or platform "for the display of goods, wares or merchandise" on a street, sidewalk, park or public place, unless the park and recreation board issues a specific permit for a park location. Section 4-5-27 separately makes it unlawful for a property owner to build or maintain "any fence in the city in such a manner that the same will encroach upon a sidewalk, street or alley, or other public right-of-way." Section 4-5-30 sets a clearance rule: nothing may "hang over any sidewalk at less than seven feet from the ground." Section 4-5-26 adds that no one may build steps onto a sidewalk without the city council's permission, and § 4-5-28 requires a right-of-way use agreement before installing a gate or door that swings out over a public way.