Noblesville, IN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 93.04(A)(10) obstructions
- Abatement notice
- 10 days by certified mail
- Emergency order
- 24 hours if immediate danger
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day
- Appeal window
- 10 days to Director of Planning
- Enforcer
- Planning Department (Designated Department)
Summary
In the City of Noblesville, obstructing a sidewalk, street, alley, or crosswalk is declared a public nuisance under Code of Ordinances § 93.04(A)(10). The rule reaches excavations left open after their purpose ends and unauthorized encroachments that block pedestrian or vehicle passage. The Designated Department can order abatement, and violators face fines up to $500 per day under § 93.99.
(10) All obstructions of streets, alleys, sidewalks, or crosswalks and all excavations in or under the same, except as permitted by the ordinances of the city or which, although made in accordance with such ordinances, are kept or maintained for an unreasonable length of time after the purpose thereof has been accomplished. ... Such nuisances shall be subject to abatement in accordance with ... § 93.99 PENALTY. (A) Whoever violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be fined up to $500 for each violation. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which the violation occurs or continues.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 93 of the Noblesville Code of Ordinances lists public nuisances affecting peace and safety, and § 93.04(A)(10) specifically names 'all obstructions of streets, alleys, sidewalks, or crosswalks and all excavations in or under the same' as unlawful once the exemption for permitted work in progress has expired. The same subsection (A) also reaches related sidewalk hazards elsewhere in § 93.04: signs, awnings, or marquees that overhang a sidewalk lower than eight feet, corner sight-triangle obstructions over three feet tall within 25 feet of an intersection, and unguarded pits or excavations accessible from a public sidewalk.
Enforcement runs through § 93.07: the Designated Department inspects the complaint, photographs the site, and serves written notice by certified mail directing the responsible party to abate it within ten days. If the danger is great and immediate, the department may direct the police or a deputy sheriff to order removal within 24 hours instead. Where the owner fails to comply, the city may abate the obstruction itself and bill the owner for administrative and removal costs; an unpaid bill after 30 days is certified to the Hamilton County Auditor and collected as delinquent property taxes.
A property owner may appeal a notice or bill to the Director of Planning within ten days, with further review available from the Board of Public Works and Safety. Persistent or unresolved obstructions can also be referred to the Noblesville City Court for an enforcement action to abate the nuisance in the city's name.
Violations & Fines
Anyone maintaining an unlawful street, alley, sidewalk, or crosswalk obstruction faces a fine of up to $500 per violation under § 93.99(A), and each day the obstruction continues counts as a separate offense. Paying the fine does not excuse the violation or stop the city from ordering removal. Under § 93.99(C), the city may also seek an injunction, and if a court grants injunctive relief, it can recover its litigation costs, including attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the City of Noblesville make me remove something blocking a sidewalk?
What happens if I don't pay the city's abatement bill?
Is there a fine for a sidewalk obstruction on top of removal costs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Noblesville
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