Boise, ID Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Boise City Code § 7-3B-2
- Enforcement
- Director of Public Works, 10-day notice
- Penalty
- $10 per day after notice, plus costs
- Permit path
- Apply via § 7-3B-5 to Council
Summary
Boise bans obstructions and encroachments on streets, sidewalks, and parkways without a city permit, and orders violators to remove them within ten days or face abatement.
It shall be unlawful for any person, except as provided by this article, to: A. Cause, create or maintain any encroachment or obstruction upon or within any street. B. Place, install or maintain any object, substance or matter in lieu of trees, shrubs, bushes, grass or vegetation upon or within any street. C. Erect or maintain poles, wires, pipes or structures upon or below the surface of any street. D. Drive any vehicle or ride an animal upon any sidewalk or parkway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code § 7-3B-2 makes it unlawful to cause, create, or maintain any encroachment or obstruction on a street, sidewalk, or parkway, or to erect poles, wires, pipes, or structures without authorization. Property owners can apply to the City Forester or Director of Public Works for a permit under § 7-3B-3 and § 7-3B-5. Under § 7-3B-4, if an obstruction goes up without a permit, the Director of Public Works orders it removed in writing; if it isn't removed or diligently being removed within ten days, the City can sue to abate it as a nuisance and charge ten dollars for every day it remained after notice, plus costs.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful encroachment or obstruction; ten-day written removal order from Public Works, then nuisance abatement action, ten dollars per day the obstruction remains after notice, plus costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put anything on the sidewalk or parkway in front of my Boise property?
What happens if I obstruct a sidewalk without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.