Bristol, CT Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 21-26 of the Bristol Code of Ordinances lists specific acts that make a sidewalk or intersection unlawful to obstruct. It is unlawful to open, maintain or use a drain or conductor pipe so that it discharges water onto a sidewalk, to permit water or waste of any kind to pass onto a sidewalk, to place nails, spikes, screws, glass or similar substances in a street, sidewalk or driveway with intent to leave them there, or to place any obstruction or display on a public sidewalk.

Subsection (6) targets sightlines at intersections: no property owner or tenant responsible for property maintenance may plant, maintain or erect any hedge, shrub, sign or other object over three feet in height within twenty-five feet of a street or highway intersection if it obstructs the sight line of approaching motorists. The section defines height as measured from the uppermost projection above grade to the object's location, defines an intersection as the area bound by the extension of the lateral curb lines or travelway, and measures the twenty-five-foot distance from the closest point of that intersection area.

The director of public works issues orders and regulations under this section, and Section 21-27 lets the superintendent designate sidewalk inspectors, with appeals from a superintendent's decision going to the board of public works under Section 21-28. The chief of police is separately charged under Section 21-29 with enforcing the article and reporting dangerous conditions the superintendent has not corrected.