Lawrence, KS Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 16-104 makes it unlawful for anyone who owns or controls a hedge fence bordering a street or sidewalk to let it overhang and obstruct the sidewalk. That rule sits inside Chapter 16's Article I general provisions, which together police what can sit in or over the public right-of-way. Section 16-102 bars loosening or removing any plank, brick, block or support from a sidewalk, crosswalk, curb or gutter, and separately bars an owner or occupant from letting earth or other substances accumulate on the sidewalk along their property, though it exempts people actually repairing the walk or temporarily clearing it for construction.

Section 16-105 requires owners to keep their sidewalk segments from rising more than half an inch above level where a pedestrian could catch a foot, with repairs to follow Article II's construction rules. Section 16-106 bans placing anything in a street or alley gutter that would interfere with drainage, sets a 15-inch minimum pipe diameter for drive entrances unless the city engineer approves smaller, bans plastic pipe entirely, and bars changing a street or alley's drainage without authorization. Section 16-110 prohibits temporary stands or retailing vehicles in streets or on sidewalks except as part of a city-approved event, and lets the city designate no-stand zones. 00, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each day an obstruction continues counted as a separate offense.