Laredo, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Sec. 28-100 of the Laredo Code of Ordinances imposes two separate prohibitions on using public sidewalks, streets and other public places for commercial purposes. Subsection (a) bars storing, exposing for sale, selling, peddling or offering to sell any tangible property or service on a public sidewalk, street or other public place unless an ordinance authorizes it. Subsection (b) is the obstruction rule: it is unlawful to stop, stand or park upon, or otherwise occupy, any portion of a public sidewalk, public street or other public place with a motor vehicle, cart, display, or other equipment or structure in order to conduct or carry on a private business, commercial enterprise, or occupation there, again unless an ordinance authorizes it.

Subsection (c) is reserved. The only authorized exceptions are the permits created elsewhere in the same article: a street vendor's permit, a special event vendor's permit, or a vending contract issued under Sec. 28-101, plus the separate solicitation rules in Chapter 21, Article XII for street performers. Outside those narrow carve-outs, any cart, table, rack, sign, or vehicle left on the sidewalk or curb lane to draw or conduct business is treated the same as an unpermitted sale: a violation of Sec. 28-100. The section was adopted in its current form by Ord. No. 89-6, § 2 in 1989 and amended by Ord. No. 2003-O-299 and Ord. No. 2006-O-078.