Mount Prospect, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 9.306 has three prohibitions. Subsection A protects pavement: it is unlawful to walk upon or drive any vehicle or animal upon, or damage, any newly laid street or alley pavement while it is guarded by a warning sign or barricade, and unlawful to knowingly injure any street, sidewalk or alley pavement. Subsection B covers streets: nobody can deposit on any street material harmful to the pavement, waste material, glass or other articles that could injure a person, animal or property. Subsection C applies the same standard to public sidewalks.

Subsection C also has the one loading exception. Merchandise or other articles can be deposited on a sidewalk preparatory to delivery, but only if the usable width of the sidewalk is not reduced to less than four feet (4'), and no article can remain on the walk for more than one-half (1/2) hour.

These prohibitions sit beside the rest of Article III of Chapter 9. Section 9.305 makes it unlawful to use any street, sidewalk or other public place as space for displaying goods or merchandise, to write or mark signs or advertisements on the pavement, or to use it for any other commercial purpose, unless a special permit under section 14.311 authorizes the private use. Section 9.302 separately bars obstructions and encroachments on public property without authorization, and section 9.303 requires a permit from the director of community development and the director of public works for any opening or stairway in a public street, alley or sidewalk. Driveway apron owners must keep the apron free from snow and ice or any obstruction under section 9.304.