Perth Amboy, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Article II of Chapter 386 of the Perth Amboy City Code, adopted 6-17-1889 as Ch. 250, governs street and sidewalk obstructions in the City of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Under § 386-3A, no person or body corporate can encumber any street, sidewalk, highway or other public place by placing on it any box or boxes, barrel or barrels or any merchandise, chattel or thing whatever, except for the purpose of immediately transporting it to or from a store or other building. Building material brought in to erect, alter or repair a building is carved out, as are designated sale days set by the Office of Economic and Community Development.

Section 386-3C adds specific conduct rules. No one can park a motorized vehicle on the public sidewalk, ride a bicycle upon it, or ride a scooter, roller skates or skateboard on it. Subsection C(8) bars sitting, standing, lying or otherwise using the sidewalk, or placing belongings or other objects on it, in a manner that unreasonably and significantly impedes or obstructs the free passage of pedestrians, and C(9) bars leaving belongings unattended for more than 15 minutes. Animals must be restrained by leash or in a cage. Sidewalk sales under § 386-3B cannot project into the sidewalk more than one-half its width or eight feet, whichever is less, and cannot leave less than four feet unobstructed, with a ten-foot maximum where the sidewalk is 20 feet or more wide.

Fixed structures have their own limits. Driveway gates cannot open outward over a sidewalk or street (§ 386-4), and a cellar door cannot extend more than one-twelfth of the sidewalk (§ 386-5). Signs and showcases cannot project more than three feet from the wall, except illuminated signs with thirteen feet of clearance and a permit (§ 386-6), and awnings need nine feet of height at the curbline (§ 386-7). Stoops and steps are limited to one-third of the sidewalk width under § 386-1. The Department of Code Enforcement, the Department of Public Works and City police officers can issue summonses under § 386-2.