Concord, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 50-41 opens Chapter 50's obstructions article (Article II) with a general prohibition: except where an obstruction is specifically permitted elsewhere in that article, it is unlawful to erect, locate or permit to remain in, on or under any public street, right-of-way, easement or sidewalk any obstruction that interferes with the public traveling on foot or in vehicles, or with the city's own use of the right-of-way or easement. An obstruction that remains after the city gives notice or demands its removal is deemed a public nuisance; the city can then summarily remove it and charge the cost to the person responsible, and that cost becomes a lien on the responsible party's real property, filed with the city tax collector or as a lis pendens with the county register of deeds.

The article carves out specific, permitted exceptions elsewhere: Section 50-42 requires an encroachment agreement, issued by the city manager or a designee, before placing or maintaining a fixed object in the right-of-way, other than mailboxes or utility facilities. Section 50-44 separately allows restaurants to place temporary tables and permitted retail displays on a sidewalk only if at least three feet of curb-side space remains clear for pedestrians, alcohol is excluded from any sidewalk sales, and any outside seating area is cordoned off. § 14-4, in addition to civil penalties available under Section 1-6.