Columbus, OH Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 902.02
- Enforcing agency
- Public Service Director
- Authorization path
- Chapter 903 right-of-way permit
- Criminal penalty
- Third-degree misdemeanor, strict liability
- Nonpayment consequence
- Permit and license revocation
Summary
Columbus Code § 902.02 bars placing furniture, signs, vending gear, or any obstruction on sidewalks, bikeways, streets, or the right-of-way without a Director-issued right-of-way permit.
(a)No person, regardless of intent, shall place, deposit, maintain, or use, or cause or permit to be placed, deposited, maintained, or used upon any street, alley, sidewalk, bikeway, highway, or right-of-way any materials, containers, vending equipment, structures, appliances, furniture, merchandise, bench, stand, sign, or advertising of any kind, or any other similar device or obstruction except as authorized by the Director pursuant to Chapter 903 of the Columbus City Codes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Columbus City Codes § 902.02 makes it unlawful to place, deposit, maintain, or use any materials, containers, vending equipment, structures, appliances, furniture, merchandise, benches, stands, signs, or similar obstructions on any street, alley, sidewalk, bikeway, highway, or right-of-way unless the Director of Public Service has authorized it through a Chapter 903 right-of-way permit. Anyone who places an unauthorized obstruction must remove it, and if they fail to, the city's own crews can remove it and bill the responsible party at the department's current equipment and personnel rates.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a third-degree misdemeanor under § 902.99, with strict liability applied; failing to pay a city removal bill within 10 days can trigger revocation of the violator's permits, licenses, bonds, and letters of credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a sandwich-board sign on a Columbus sidewalk?
What happens if I don't remove an obstruction I placed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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