DeKalb County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 17-6(a) reads broadly on purpose. Its list of obstructions, shrubbery, signs, fences "or whatever," is open-ended, so any object placed or maintained in the right-of-way can qualify. What decides a violation is the effect, not the object: the obstruction must interfere with either the clear view of motorists or the free passage of pedestrians. That means a hedge grown across a driver's sight line is treated the same as a fence built into the walking path. The section also covers more than roads: the right-of-way of any public road, street, or other easement in the unincorporated area of the county falls within it.

Enforcement follows a set sequence under subsections (c) and (d). Police first give written notice ordering the obstruction removed within 10 days. If it is still there when that window closes, the police department issues a summons to appear in court. And a conviction does not end the matter: each day the obstruction remains after conviction counts as a new violation, so leaving it in place keeps generating fresh charges until it comes out.