Monterey, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 32-6 sets the general obstruction rule: nobody may place a box, bale, package, lumber or other thing on a sidewalk in a way that obstructs it. The code carves out a narrow business exception, letting merchants, tradesmen and people receiving or forwarding goods use a portion of the sidewalk directly in front of the location where the goods are received or shipped, but caps that use at four hours in any one day and requires at least four feet of clear, unobstructed sidewalk to remain open to pedestrians at all times, even during the permitted loading window.

1 separately makes it unlawful for any person or group to intentionally obstruct or impede the free movement of pedestrians or vehicles on any public street, sidewalk, way, path, park, wharf, parking lot or other public property, and this extends to blocking the ingress or egress of pedestrians or vehicles from private property that abuts a public sidewalk or street. , subject to exceptions for medical emergencies, wheelchairs, permanently affixed benches, permitted sidewalk cafes operating under an encroachment permit, and people attending a permitted parade or event; a peace officer must warn a violator first, and one warning covers a 30-day period. 2 for the narrower sit/lie restriction limited to commercial sidewalks and daytime hours.