Gretna, LA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Gretna Code of Ordinances § 16-112, Obstruction of walk, makes it unlawful to willfully obstruct the free, convenient and normal use of any public sidewalk, alley, road or other passageway, or the entrance, corridor or passage of any public building, structure, watercraft or ferry, by impeding, hindering, stifling, retarding or restraining passage. The companion section, § 16-111, applies the identical standard to public streets, so together the two sections cover pedestrian and vehicle rights-of-way city-wide. Both sections trace to Code 1997 § 16-112 and were carried forward by Ord.

No. 4007 on January 12, 2009. 00 and/or imprisonment up to 60 days for a first violation, with no separate schedule for repeat offenders. The section is written broadly, covering blocking a walk with merchandise, furniture, vehicles, construction materials or a person's own body when it stops others from passing normally; there is no minimum obstruction time or width carved out as an exception. Gretna Police issue citations returnable to Mayor's Court under Chapter 40, where a hearing officer determines guilt and sets the fine within the § 16-8 ceiling.

Because the code text speaks to any public sidewalk without district limits, the rule applies uniformly on commercial strips like Huey P. Long Avenue and in residential neighborhoods alike; a property owner who props a sign, dumpster or landscaping debris across the walk in front of a home or business is subject to the same standard as anyone else obstructing a right-of-way.