Paulding County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 40-6 sits in Article II of Chapter 40, the county's litter and public-nuisance chapter, and criminalizes physically blocking a public passage. The offense requires two elements: the person acted without authority of law, and did so purposely or recklessly, in a way that renders the highway, street, sidewalk, or other public passage impassable with unreasonable inconvenience or hazard. A person is only guilty once they fail or refuse to remove the obstruction, so the ordinance functions as a cure-then-cite law: an officer can direct someone to clear the sidewalk, and the misdemeanor charge attaches only if the person does not comply.

Common obstructions include construction materials, dumpsters, parked trailers, and stored merchandise left in the pedestrian right-of-way. A related provision, Sec. 40-5(5), separately bars storing new or used merchandise within six feet of any street or highway right-of-way for more than 24 hours, reinforcing that sidewalks and roadside rights-of-way must stay clear. Enforcement of Chapter 40 runs through Sec. 40-2, which assigns primary citation authority to the county marshal's office, with zoning enforcement officers, the sheriff, and deputy sheriffs also empowered to cite. Violations are prosecuted in the county's superior court, state court, or magistrate court, and each day the obstruction remains can be charged as a continuing violation.