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

Public sidewalks in Murrieta must remain clear for pedestrian use under MMC rights-of-way provisions and state law. Prohibited obstructions include parked vehicles (including blocking sidewalks from driveways), merchandise displays extending onto the sidewalk without encroachment permits, landscaping and tree limbs encroaching into the pedestrian path, trash cans left out beyond the allowed period (typically out within 12 hours of collection), campaign signs, and construction materials without proper permitting. ADA accessibility requires at least 4 feet of clear passage (48 inches) with passing spaces every 200 feet. Overhanging vegetation must be trimmed to maintain 7 feet of vertical clearance for pedestrian passage. Property owners have a continuing duty to keep abutting sidewalks clear. Enforcement is primarily through Code Enforcement with warnings followed by administrative citations. Merchants with repeated outdoor display violations may lose their business license authorization. Obstructions causing immediate hazard can be removed by the city at the property owner's expense.