Lake Havasu City, AZ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 9.16.170 sets the chapter's core rule: no person shall obstruct or place any obstruction upon, across, or along any street, alley, or sidewalk in any manner except as authorized elsewhere in Chapter 9.16. The provision dates to the city's 1985 Prior Code section 7-1-11(a) and works alongside section 9.16.180, which requires anyone placing a permanent or temporary structure in a city right-of-way to first obtain a permit under Chapter 11.10 and execute an indemnification agreement with the City Attorney covering any loss, damage, or injury the placement causes.

Together the two sections make unauthorized sidewalk and street encroachments, from stacked merchandise and unpermitted signage to permanent fixtures, a citable offense unless the person holds the specific permit or authorization the chapter requires. Chapter 9.16 also separately regulates vegetation blocking sidewalks under section 9.16.120 and banners on utility poles under section 9.16.130, but section 9.16.170 is the general catch-all for any other obstruction placed in the public way. Section 9.16.190 closes the chapter by making any violation, including an unauthorized obstruction under section 9.16.170, punishable under Chapter 1.08 of the code, the citywide general penalty provision, with each day of a continuing obstruction chargeable as its own separate offense; Development Services and Code Compliance field the encroachment complaints that lead to citation.