Pittsburgh, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Under Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances Title Four, Chapter 416 (Obstructions), no person may place any obstruction in the public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit or license from the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI). An obstruction includes any structure, equipment, merchandise, construction material, dumpster, or other object that impedes pedestrian or vehicular passage. No person may deposit on any street or sidewalk material that may be harmful to the pavement, waste material, glass, or other articles that could cause injury to persons, animals, or property. Parking, loading, or unloading vehicles on sidewalks is prohibited. Under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 3353, no person may park a vehicle on a sidewalk. Damage to newly laid sidewalk pavement that is guarded by a warning sign or barricade is also prohibited. Sidewalk cafes, A-frame signs, and other commercial uses of the sidewalk require a specific encroachment permit. Property owners must keep the full sidewalk width clear and accessible, including compliance with ADA accessibility standards. Violations may result in fines under Section 101.09 and orders to remove the obstruction. Pittsburgh 311 at (412) 255-2621 handles complaints about sidewalk obstructions.