Franklin, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Streets, alleys, sidewalks, rights-of-way
- Default rule
- No storing or selling on sidewalks
- Exception
- Board-authorized special event days only
- Citation
- Franklin Municipal Code § 16-101
Summary
Franklin prohibits storing, selling, or displaying goods on public streets, alleys, or sidewalks and bars soliciting from vehicle occupants in the right-of-way, except when the Board of Mayor and Aldermen authorizes a special event.
Except as provided in title 8, chapter 3, no person shall use or occupy any portion of any public street, alley, sidewalk or right-of-way for the purpose of storing, selling, or exhibiting any goods, wares, merchandise or materials, except merchants may display and sell their goods and wares on and from the streets and/or sidewalks on such special event days or at other times as are specifically authorized by the board of mayor and aldermen...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Franklin Municipal Code § 16-101 makes it unlawful to use or occupy any public street, alley, sidewalk, or right-of-way to store, sell, or exhibit goods, wares, merchandise, or materials. Merchants may only display and sell from streets or sidewalks on special event days or other occasions the Board of Mayor and Aldermen specifically authorizes. The same section separately bars standing in the right-of-way to solicit or accept donations from vehicle occupants, while carving out newspaper and handbill distribution and permitted news racks. The rule sits in the streets and sidewalks title and is enforced citywide, independent of the zoning code's sidewalk standards.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a public sidewalk, street, or alley to store, sell, or display goods without Board authorization, or soliciting donations from vehicle occupants in the right-of-way, is unlawful and citable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business set up a sidewalk sale in Franklin?
Is it illegal to panhandle from the street in Franklin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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