Newark, OH Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 660.10 of the Newark Code of Ordinances, headed Sidewalk Obstructions; Damage or Injury, collects the city's rules for what can and cannot be on or over a sidewalk.

Subsection (c) is the core obstruction rule. No person shall place, deposit or maintain any merchandise, goods, material or equipment upon any sidewalk so as to obstruct pedestrian traffic, except for such reasonable time as may be actually necessary for the delivery or pickup of such articles. In no case shall the obstruction remain on the sidewalk for more than one hour.

The other subsections deal with hazards and encroachments. Subsection (a) bars placing or knowingly dropping tacks, bottles, wire, glass, nails or other articles that can damage property or injure any person or animal on a sidewalk, playground or entranceway. Subsection (b) bars walking on, allowing an animal upon, or defacing soft or newly laid pavement. Subsection (d) requires protection over the pavement before unloading or transporting heavy merchandise across a sidewalk or curb. Subsection (e) requires suitable safeguards to protect and warn pedestrian traffic when a cellar or trap door, coal chute, or elevator or lift opening in a sidewalk is open. Subsection (f) bars building or leaving open any cellarway, stairway, areaway or other opening into a cellar or basement from the line of any street or public place.

Subsection (g) controls overhead and support encroachments. No person shall erect any porch, balcony, awning, sign or other device supported by posts, pillars, columns or legs resting on a public place. The exception is a canopy or awning on structurally sound supports, installed in compliance with applicable law, which needs advance written approval of both the Directors of Public Service and Public Safety, and that approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Subsection (h) bars marking a sidewalk surface with paint or any other material, other than lettering or designs built into the sidewalk and approved first by the Director of Public Service.

Section 660.05(a) adds the owner or occupant's duty to keep the sidewalk free from snow, ice or any nuisance.