Jacksonville, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 23-1, titled Encroachments upon city property dedicated for sidewalks and trails, bars occupants and property owners from placing fences or other encroachments on land the city owns or has dedicated for sidewalk or trail purposes. The same section carves out one exception: decorative shrubbery may be planted in the adjoining right-of-way, but only if it never blocks sightlines needed for traffic safety, fire hydrants, walkways, trails, sidewalks, or utility equipment. If the shrubbery later needs removing, the owner can either relocate it at their own expense or let the city take it out and dispose of it.

Because Chapter 23 doesn't set out its own specific fine for an encroachment violation, the code's general civil penalty in Sec. 1-11 fills the gap: any Code violation without its own stated penalty carries a civil penalty of $100 for each day the violation continues, and if the offender doesn't pay within ten days of being cited, the city can pursue it as a civil debt. Together, these sections give Jacksonville a tool to require a property owner to pull back a fence, planter, sign, or similar structure that has crept onto sidewalk or trail right-of-way, while leaving room for landscaping that doesn't interfere with pedestrians, drivers, or emergency access.