Knoxville, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Violation class
- Misdemeanor
- Exception
- Permitted contractor materials only
- If city removes it
- Double cost billed to owner
- Enforcer
- Director of Public Service
Summary
Placing rocks, lumber, rubbish, or other material on a Knoxville public street or sidewalk is a misdemeanor unless a contractor holds a director-of-public-service permit for adjacent building work.
If any person shall place upon any public street of the city, or cause to be placed thereon, any rocks, lumber, wood, rubbish or other encumbrance, or other obstruction whatever, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided that, for the purpose of erecting, finishing or repairing any building within the city, a contractor, upon obtaining a permit therefor from the director of public service, shall have the privilege of depositing on the squares, streets, lanes or alleys opposite or adjacent to the building any lumber, brick or other material necessary to be used in erecting, finishing or repairing the building. Such materials shall not hinder or impede the necessary passage of pedestrians and vehicles, nor the free passage of water in the gutters of the streets; the materials shall not remain longer than is absolutely necessary for the completion of the work being done; and all rubbish from the building shall be removed as soon as possible. This section shall not apply to any obstruction permitted by law.
(Code 1962, § 36-55)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 23-2 makes it unlawful to place rocks, lumber, wood, rubbish, or any other obstruction on a public street or sidewalk in Knoxville. The only exception is a contractor working on a nearby building who has obtained a permit from the director of public service; even then, materials can't block pedestrian or vehicle passage or gutter drainage, and must be cleared as soon as the work is finished. Obstructions left in place without authorization can be removed by the city, with the responsible party billed double the removal cost under § 23-3.
Violations & Fines
A misdemeanor charge under § 1-9's general penalty; the director may also remove the obstruction and bill the responsible party double the cost of removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave building materials on the street outside my Knoxville home?
What happens if I obstruct a sidewalk without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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