North Charleston, SC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited conduct
- Knowingly impeding traffic
- Sports equipment buffer
- 10 feet from right-of-way
- Exempt
- Government/utility/safety work
- Applies to
- Streets, sidewalks, roadways
Summary
It's unlawful in North Charleston to knowingly block pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public sidewalk, street, or roadway, or to place sports equipment within 10 feet of the right-of-way.
No person shall knowingly and intentionally engage in conduct which impedes, or is likely to impede, pedestrian or vehicular traffic along any public street, sidewalk, or roadway.(b)No person shall place, erect, install, or use any sporting equipment, ball, puck, lines, or sporting goals in, or within ten (10) feet of, any public right-of-way.(c)The provisions contained within subsection 17-133(a) above shall not apply to those persons engaged in governmental service (i.e. road, sewer, trash collection, debris removal, fire or police duty, traffic direction, or other similar governmental functions), utility installation or repair conducted pursuant to franchise or permit, or activity necessary for the furtherance of public safety. (Ord. No. 2001-062, 10-25-01)
Secs. 17-134—17-140. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Section 17-133 bars knowingly and intentionally impeding, or acting in a way likely to impede, pedestrian or vehicular traffic on any public street, sidewalk, or roadway. It also separately bans placing or using sporting equipment, balls, pucks, or goals in, or within ten feet of, any public right-of-way. The obstruction ban doesn't apply to government workers doing road, utility, trash, fire, or police work, franchised utility crews working under permit, or activity necessary for public safety.
Violations & Fines
Knowingly obstructing a sidewalk, street, or roadway, or leaving sporting equipment within 10 feet of the right-of-way, violates § 17-133 and is subject to the city's general penalty under § 1-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a basketball hoop near the street?
Does the obstruction ban apply to utility crews?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Charleston
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Charleston County handle obstruction rules.