Sacramento County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

035 makes it unlawful to "set out, install or maintain" basketball hoops, garbage or recycling cans left at the curb longer than 72 hours in any one week, signs, hedges, structures, natural growths, fences, or other obstructions on any sidewalk, pedestrian pathway, or within the street right-of-way. Trees must be trimmed so foliage stays at least seven feet above any pedestrian walkway and fourteen and one-half feet above any paved roadway or shoulder. Items set out for pickup during Neighborhood Cleanup Days are specifically exempted from the ban.

The chapter traces to Ordinance 1441 § 2 (2009), which also added the companion enforcement sections. 045, any violation is declared a public nuisance, and the Administrator of the Municipal Services Agency (or an authorized representative) can bring abatement, removal and injunction actions in the County's name through any court with jurisdiction. 050 layers on a misdemeanor penalty plus an administrative civil penalty track: $200 for each violation, plus $20 for every calendar day beyond 15 days following posting of the nuisance notice, on top of any other remedy at law.

Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The Administrator's written violation notice must identify the property, state the penalty, and tell the recipient how to request a hearing; a written hearing request must reach the Administrator within seven days of service. 4, with the notice of appeal served on the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. Violators also owe the County's enforcement costs, including inspection, removal and correction expenses.