Memphis, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Memphis Code § 12-24-2
- Prohibited conduct
- Boxes, barrels, obstructing items
- Bicycle exception
- UDC § 4.5.3(C) permits bike parking
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
- Base fine
- Up to $50.00 per violation
- Last amended
- Ord. No. 5459, 7-17-2012
Summary
Memphis Code Section 12-24-2 makes it a misdemeanor to obstruct any sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels or other items that block public passage or make the walk unsafe. Bicycle parking is expressly carved out as a permitted use under the Unified Development Code.
Sec. 12-24-2. - Obstructions generally. It shall be a misdemeanor to obstruct any sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels, or other things interfering with the free passageway of the public or which may render such sidewalk or walkway unsafe for public travel. Bicycle parking is permitted on sidewalks, pursuant to section 4.5.3(C) of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Section 12-24-2, "Obstructions generally," is the core sidewalk-obstruction rule in the Memphis Code: it is a misdemeanor to obstruct any sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels, or other things interfering with the free passageway of the public or which may render the sidewalk or walkway unsafe for public travel. 3(C) of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code. The obstruction rule sits alongside related sidewalk-clutter provisions in the same chapter: Section 12-24-10 separately bars using a sidewalk for storage, display or sale of merchandise; Section 12-24-12 addresses foliage and tree limbs projecting over sidewalks; and Section 12-24-15 covers obstructing gutters adjoining sidewalks.
Section 12-24-2 traces to the 1967 and 1985 codifications and was last amended by Ordinance No. 5459 in 2012, which added the bicycle-parking carve-out. 00 under the city's penalty-fund schedule, and each day the obstruction remains constitutes a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels or similar items under Section 12-24-2 is a misdemeanor. It is punished under the Section 1-24-1 general penalty, a fine of up to $50.00 per violation plus up to $200.00 in additional penalty at the judge's discretion, and each day the obstruction continues is charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to block a Memphis sidewalk with boxes or barrels?
Can bicycles be parked on Memphis sidewalks?
What's the penalty for obstructing a sidewalk in Memphis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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