Eagan, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 7.05, Subd. 3 applies to obstructions and excavations in any public right-of-way, streets, sidewalks and trails alike, except for utility service facilities regulated separately under § 7.06. It prohibits excavating or placing 'a fence, goods, building or landscaping materials, any structure, landscaping, electrical cords or devises of any kind or other objects,' and bars selling or offering goods for sale within the right-of-way. Narrow exceptions apply: a registered, operable vehicle lawfully parked in the street or on a driveway that does not block a sidewalk or trail and is not used to sell goods; a vehicle that stops only briefly to make an immediate sale without parking to await customers; and anyone operating under an issued special event permit.

Otherwise, the only way to lawfully obstruct the right-of-way is a written permit from the council, and permits are issued 'only for mailboxes, irrigation systems and landscaping' that create no public safety concern and are maintained under the permit's terms. Subd. 4 separately makes building or maintaining a fire in the right-of-way a misdemeanor, and Subd. 6 requires a written council permit for any sign, advertisement or other structure placed in the right-of-way, treating an unpermitted one as a public nuisance the violator must remove on demand.

Subd. 9 closes the section by declaring any violation a public nuisance and making each day it continues a separate, punishable offense, with the city authorized to remove the obstruction and bill the responsible party if it is not removed voluntarily.