Marysville, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited act
- Obstructing or blocking a public sidewalk
- Penalty basis
- Public nuisance under § 6.24.040
- Exception
- Temporary retail displays by abutting businesses
- Business liability
- Must indemnify city against claims
- Enacted
- Ordinance 65, 1894; amended 1982
Summary
Marysville bans obstructing a public sidewalk or making it impassable, dangerous, or inconvenient, treating violations as a public nuisance, though temporary retail displays on lightly traveled sidewalk areas by abutting businesses are allowed.
Any person who shall obstruct a city sidewalk or in any manner render the same impassable or dangerous or inconvenient for public use shall be guilty of committing or maintaining a public nuisance and shall be punished pursuant to MMC § 6.24.040; provided, that this section shall not apply to the reasonable use of generally untraveled portions of city sidewalks for the temporary display of retail merchandise by businesses located on immediately abutting properties. Any person using a sidewalk for such purposes shall be liable for and shall indemnify and hold the city harmless from any and all actions or causes of action, claims, demands, liabilities, loss, damage or expense of whatsoever kind or nature which may arise by reason or in consequence of said use of public property. (Ord. 65 § 8, 1894; Ord. 1245 § 2, 1982)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4922912; v1 updated 2026-06-08; through 06-08-2026).
Full Breakdown
Marysville Municipal Code § 12.24.020 makes it a public nuisance to obstruct a city sidewalk or render it impassable, dangerous, or inconvenient for public use, punishable under MMC § 6.24.040. The section carves out one exception: businesses on abutting properties may temporarily display retail merchandise on the generally untraveled portions of the sidewalk in front of their store. Anyone using the sidewalk that way must indemnify the city against any claims or damages arising from the use, keeping the liability on the business rather than the municipality.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a sidewalk is a public nuisance punished under MMC § 6.24.040; the business displaying merchandise is liable for and must indemnify the city against any resulting claims or damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a store display merchandise on the sidewalk outside its front door?
What counts as obstructing a Marysville sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marysville
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle obstruction rules.