Columbia, SC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Chapter 22, Article III addresses obstructions of the public way. Section 22-71 makes it unlawful to create or allow an obstruction of any street without city council's consent, and defines obstruction broadly as any object other than a lawfully parked motor vehicle, with street defined to include the full right-of-way area between the curb line and adjacent property lines, so the rule reaches sidewalks as well as roadways. If an obstruction is found without council's consent, the city manager must notify the responsible person to remove it within three days; the city manager can also remove the obstruction immediately at the occupant's expense, without notice, if immediate harm to the city's rights makes delay improper.

Section 22-73 separately and simply bans obstructing the pavement or sidewalks with barrels, boxes or any article of merchandise, a narrower rule aimed specifically at goods left out by adjacent businesses. Section 22-72 rounds out the article by forbidding people from congregating and obstructing sidewalks or streets in front of churches, hotels, business places and other buildings of public resort, and gives police the power to arrest anyone violating that section. Section 22-74 requires pedestrians to keep to the right and avoid unnecessary stops that would block a sidewalk, crosswalk or building entrance. These sections descend from Code 1979 §§ 4-2051 through 4-2054, with section 22-71 last amended by Ordinance No. 2002-016 on April 17, 2002.