Fairfield, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

24(a) forbids planting, erecting, or maintaining a hedge, fence, shrub, or similar structure across any existing walkway in a sidewalk area or shoulder without a permit, stating the rule's purpose is to keep a walkway free for pedestrian travel without interference from vehicles. The same subsection broadens the ban: no encroachment of any nature may be permitted or maintained that impedes, obstructs, or denies pedestrian or other lawful travel within a public street right-of-way, or that impairs adequate sight distance for safe pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

24(b) makes the permittee or the adjacent property owner responsible for keeping any hedge, shrub, wall, or fence in a right-of-way neat and orderly at all times; if it is not maintained, the Director of Public Works can order the owner to remove it and restore the right-of-way at the owner's expense. 21 lets the Director require reflectors, paint, or other visibility aids on a pole or other obstruction whenever its location makes it a hazard to vehicular traffic, at the cost of the permittee.

24(c) allows a lawn within the right-of-way without a permit, but it cannot extend into the traveled way or drainage facilities and the public cannot be denied use of the planted area for travel. All of these obstruction rules sit in Article I of Chapter 16, so a violation carries the same penalty as any other encroachment violation.