Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Chapter 271 of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Code, adopted by the Township Council, is the general rule against blocking places the public uses. Section 271-1 defines the key terms. To "obstruct" means to render a place impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard. A "public place" is any place to which the public or a substantial group has access, and the list expressly includes streets, highways, roads, alleys and sidewalks. It also reaches the front of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business, public grounds and parks, and parking lots or other vacant private property that the person charged does not own or control.

Section 271-2A sets the prohibition: a person with no legal privilege to do so cannot purposely or recklessly obstruct the use of a public place, alone or with others. The chapter protects speakers. Nobody is guilty of recklessly obstructing solely because a crowd gathered to hear them speak or solely because they belong to such a gathering. Section 271-2B covers crowds. No group can assemble so as to obstruct a public place in the Township, and when a police officer, using reasonable judgment, decides that a gathering is obstructing a public place, the officer can order those people to leave. Refusing that order is itself a violation of the chapter. Section 271-2C limits the power: an order to move a person whose speech or other lawful behavior draws an obstructing audience is not reasonable if police control of the size or location of the gathering can readily remedy the obstruction.

Separate from Chapter 271, Chapter 360 of the Code deals with structures and construction work that encroach on Township streets and public places. Under Section 360-19 the Township Council can declare an encroachment, obstruction or encumbrance in or on a Township-owned or unaccepted dedicated street, alley or public place a nuisance when it interferes with drainage or impairs public health, safety or welfare. Section 360-20 has the Township Clerk notify the responsible person by registered mail or personal service, and Section 360-21 lets the Township abate the nuisance if the person does not act within 30 days, with the cost becoming a lien on the abutting land. Sidewalk cafes are handled under Chapter 275, not here.