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Lincoln, NE Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Fine range
$50 to $500 plus costs
Charge
Misdemeanor under § 14.40.010
Removal
City removes obstruction, bills owner
Notice
Written notice from Transportation Director required first

Summary

Lincoln bans obstructing, encumbering, or encroaching on any street, alley, or sidewalk, treating blocked passageways as a misdemeanor punishable by a $50 to $500 fine under Municipal Code § 14.40.010.

The streets, alleys, and sidewalks in the city shall be kept free and clear of all obstructions, encumbrances, and encroachments and shall not be used or occupied in any other way than as provided in this code. Any person, firm, or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum of not less than fifty dollars and not exceeding $500.00, recoverable with costs. (Ord. 10617; November 13, 1972: prior Ord. 3489 § 41-301; July 6, 1936).

https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/lincoln-ne/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-6263

788/1518

8/11/26, 11:58 PM

Document Viewer | Municipal Code

Source: Lincoln Municipal Code Ch. 14.40 Obstructing Streets and AlleysView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 14.40.010 requires every street, alley, and sidewalk in the city to be kept free and clear of obstructions, encumbrances, and encroachments, and bars any other use except as the code allows. Violators face a misdemeanor charge with a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500, plus court costs. Under §§ 14.40.060 and 14.40.070, the Director of Transportation and Utilities can order an owner to remove an obstruction by written notice; if it isn't removed, or if it's an immediate hazard, the obstruction is declared a public nuisance and the city removes it, billing the owner for the cost.

Violations & Fines

Blocking a sidewalk, alley, or street is a misdemeanor: fines run $50 to $500 plus costs, and the city can remove the obstruction and bill the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an illegal sidewalk obstruction in Lincoln?
Any obstruction, encumbrance, or encroachment on a street, alley, or sidewalk not otherwise authorized by the Municipal Code, per § 14.40.010: items like unpermitted structures, gasoline pumps, or debris.
What happens if I don't remove an obstruction after notice?
The Director of Transportation and Utilities can declare it a public nuisance, remove it, and bill you for the cost; interfering with removal is itself a misdemeanor.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsEncroachment PermitsSome RestrictionsSidewalk RepairSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

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