Marietta, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 5-4-110(A) makes it unlawful to obstruct any sidewalk or street by putting a box, table, steps, merchandise or similar item on it, or to use the streets and sidewalks to display goods, wares or merchandise, unless the Code otherwise allows it or the city manager has authorized temporary use for special events under subsection D. A separate, tighter rule in subsection B covers construction-type materials: no person may put lumber, wood, boxes, bricks or other substances in a street, alley or sidewalk without a permit from the public works director, and that permit issues only if the obstruction is reasonably unavoidable and the interference with the street, alley or sidewalk is kept as limited as reasonably possible.

The obligation does not end once the permit is granted. Subsection C requires anyone who places a permitted obstruction under subsection B to display a sufficient danger signal at the obstruction every night it remains, so the traveling public is warned and can avoid injury. Subsection E layers federal and state accessibility law on top of all of this, incorporating the Americans with Disabilities Act by reference and requiring immediate removal of any obstruction that causes an ADA violation. Together the three operative subsections draw a line between casual, unpermitted clutter (flatly banned) and unavoidable work-related obstructions (permitted, but only with a director's sign-off and nightly warning lights).