Bloomington, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 38-102 of the Bloomington City Code declares that the streets, avenues, alleys and sidewalks in the City shall be kept free and clear of all encumbrances and encroachments for public use, and bars any use of them except as the chapter allows. Section 38-216 makes it unlawful for any person to occupy or encumber a sidewalk, street or alley by standing, sitting or remaining on it so as to prevent or obstruct the free and convenient passage of the public; anyone doing so must disperse or move on at a police officer's request, and violators forfeit not less than $1 nor more than $50 for each offense.

Article III of Chapter 38, Obstruction and Encroachments, backs this with a general prohibition at § 38-301: placing, throwing or leaving any encroachment, obstruction or encumbrance in or upon a street, avenue or alley is unlawful except as this Code authorizes, and § 38-302 makes anyone who does so liable to the City and to private persons for resulting injury or damage. The Director of Public Works or the City Manager can order an obstruction removed under §§ 38-206 and 38-306, and anyone who resists that removal order is liable for a further penalty of $10 to $50.

Related sections in the same article separately punish erecting a building over a street ($50 penalty under § 38-304) and leaving obstructing coal, firewood or stone on a sidewalk (§ 38-215). Together these sections let Public Works and the Police Department clear a blocked sidewalk on the spot rather than wait for a court process.