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Fort Smith, AR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Businesses in city limits
Covers
Merchandise, movable signs, showcases
Exception
Chapter 27-authorized sidewalk uses
Enforcement
Misdemeanor penalty, § 1-9

Summary

Fort Smith bans businesses from displaying merchandise, movable signs, or showcases on a sidewalk, street, or right-of-way, or attaching them so they infringe on one.

Except as authorized in chapter 27, it shall be unlawful for any person owning, conducting or controlling any business in the city to exhibit or permit to be exhibited, any merchandise of any kind, or any movable signs or showcases upon a sidewalk, street or any public right-of-way or to exhibit or permit to be exhibited any merchandise of any kind, or any movable signs or showcases attached to any building in such a way as to infringe upon any sidewalk, street or other public right-of-way.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith City Code § 22-2 makes it unlawful for anyone who owns, conducts, or controls a business in the city to exhibit merchandise, movable signs, or showcases on a sidewalk, street, or public right-of-way, or to attach such displays to a building in a way that infringes on the sidewalk, street, or right-of-way. The ban is subject to what's separately authorized in Chapter 27, the Unified Development Ordinance, which permits limited sidewalk items like sandwich board signs in the Garrison Avenue historic district under separate design guidelines.

Violations & Fines

Prosecuted as a misdemeanor under the city's general penalty provision; the city can also order the obstruction removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Fort Smith store put a sale rack on the sidewalk?
No. Displaying merchandise on a sidewalk or street is barred under § 22-2 unless separately authorized under Chapter 27.
Are sandwich board signs allowed on Fort Smith sidewalks?
Only in the Garrison Avenue historic district, under the CBID design guidelines carved out in § 22-7(b)(3).

Sources & Official References

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All Fort Smith rules

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