Naperville, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 9-1A-11, Encroachments And Obstructions, splits the prohibition into three parts. The encroachment clause makes it unlawful to erect or maintain any 'building' or 'structure,' as defined in Section 6-1-6, that encroaches on a public street, way or property, subject to a driveway exception under Section 7-4-3. 155 inches thick, buried no more than 24 inches into the ground; masonry columns, wagon wheels and oversized posts are explicitly listed as unacceptable. Underground or aboveground lawn sprinkler systems in the right-of-way need a City permit, must stay at least four feet from the back of the curb and four feet from the sidewalk edge, and may not spray onto the sidewalk, curb, gutter or street; the owner bears sole responsibility for repair and must indemnify the City.

The separate obstruction clause makes it unlawful for anyone to cause, create or maintain any obstruction on a street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or other public way unless specifically authorized by ordinance or by the Director for an emergency or lawful construction, repair or removal project. 4 flatly bars any alternative paving surface on or over a public sidewalk itself, and any permit requires an indemnification and waiver agreement recorded against the property. A final clause separately bars obstructing any drain in a public street or alley. The Section carries no stated fine of its own, so the City's general penalty structure applies to violations.