Goodyear, AZ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Section 11-1-13(B), (C)(7)
- Offense level
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Abatement window
- Max 14 days after citation
- Unpaid bill result
- Property lien after 14 days
- Appeal path
- To City Council, decision final
Summary
Goodyear's public nuisance ordinance, City Code Section 11-1-13(B), makes it unlawful to unlawfully obstruct the free passage of any public sidewalk, street, alley, or park. Blocking pedestrian passage or dumping items in the right-of-way is a class 1 misdemeanor, and the City can cite, remove the obstruction, and bill the responsible party.
Public nuisance. Anything which is injurious to health or is indecent or offensive to the senses or an obstruction to the free use of property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by an entire community or neighborhood or by any person, or which unlawfully obstructs the free passage or use in the customary manner of any public park, square, alley, sidewalk, street or highway is a public nuisance and is no less a nuisance because the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted is unequal. ... No person shall place, deposit or leave in or upon any city right-of-way, street, alley, park or other city building or property any bottles, glass, cans, graffiti, hand bills, posters, pieces of scrap metal, metal articles, paper or other abandoned material or items, except in proper containers for collection.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1648, passed April 27, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 11-1-13(B) of the General Code defines a public nuisance to include anything that "unlawfully obstructs the free passage or use in the customary manner of any public park, square, alley, sidewalk, street or highway," regardless of how unequal the resulting annoyance might be from one case to the next. " A police officer, code enforcement officer, or designated sanitation official who personally observes the obstruction can issue a citation on the spot under subsection (D)(2). If the owner or occupant does not clear the obstruction within a reasonable period, capped at 14 days (shorter if public safety requires it), the City may remove it and charge the owner, with the cost becoming an assessment and, if unpaid within 14 days of billing, a recorded lien against the property under subsections (E) and (F).
The owner of record can appeal the citation to the City Council within the time stated on the citation, and the Council's decision is final under subsection (H).
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 11-1-13 is a class 1 misdemeanor, and any police officer, code enforcement officer, or sanitation official who observes the obstruction may issue a citation directly. If the responsible party does not clear the sidewalk or right-of-way within the notice period, the City can remove the obstruction, bill the owner for the cost, and record a lien if the bill goes unpaid within 14 days. Prior liens do not bar additional ones for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to block a Goodyear sidewalk with materials or trash?
Who enforces Goodyear's sidewalk obstruction rule?
What happens if I don't clear an obstruction after a citation?
Can I appeal a sidewalk obstruction citation in Goodyear?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Goodyear
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle obstruction rules.