Blaine, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Blaine City Code Section 70-3 prohibits creating an obstruction on any public street through the placement or storage of unauthorized items, expressly naming refuse and recycling containers, basketball hoops, fencing, landscape materials, and sports nets or goals as examples, along with a catch-all for any tangible object that hinders free and open passage. The section also separately bars depositing leaves, grass, sand, or similar material on a public street, and bars plowing, shoveling, or blowing snow onto a public street and leaving it there; the only exception covers someone actively constructing or maintaining a yard or driveway, provided the material is removed immediately.

Enforcement runs through the Community Development Department's code enforcement staff and the Blaine Police Department. A violation of Section 70-3 is a misdemeanor, punishable on conviction by a fine of up to $1,000.00, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both, and the city may pursue adult offenders through its own administrative municipal court rather than Anoka County District Court. The related right-of-way work permit in Section 70-1 requires city engineer approval before any sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway, tree-planting, or drainage work happens in the right-of-way, and Section 70-2 separately requires abutting property owners to clear sidewalk snow within 48 hours or the city removes it and bills the owner, with a 15 percent delinquency charge if unpaid.

Because Section 70-3 covers permanent items like basketball hoops and fencing as well as loose debris, a resident who leaves a trash cart, holiday decoration stand, or landscaping pile in the boulevard can be cited even without any snow or ice involved.