Burleson, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 34-31(16) of the Burleson Code of Ordinances declares a public nuisance the storage of personal property such as recreational equipment (including bikes and scooters for rent), ramps, rubbish, trash or junk in a manner that blocks a public right-of-way, including sidewalks. The wording names rental bikes and scooters, so a business that parks shared-mobility equipment across a sidewalk in the City of Burleson is inside the rule, not only a homeowner with a junk pile.

Plants count too. Under § 34-61(b)(2)b, a person who owns, occupies or controls property commits an offense by allowing trees, shrubbery, bushes or vines to project across or obstruct any sidewalk, driveway, alley or street. Items (1) and (13) of § 34-31 add holes and excavations that could cause injury and tobacco spitting or littering on a public sidewalk.

Where a business wants to use the sidewalk on purpose, Chapter 70 controls. Section 70-194 sets the requirements and restrictions on right-of-way use agreements, and subsection (b) says no agreement can allow use of the sidewalk that reduces the unobstructed use of the sidewalk for pedestrians to less than six feet. Overhangs above the sidewalk can be allowed if they are high enough not to interfere with pedestrian use. Subsection (c) bars any agreement that allows use of the roadway. A sidewalk cafe under such an agreement must stay open to any member of the public.

Enforcement of § 34-31 sits with the chief of police, police officers, the fire marshal and the code enforcement officer (§ 34-32). The notice must require compliance within seven days, and an immediate threat can be ordered abated within 24 hours (§§ 34-36 and 34-37).