Raleigh, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

City Code Sec. 12-1005, Placing Articles on Sidewalks So As To Obstruct, makes it unlawful for any person to obstruct the sidewalks of the City by placing a box, bag, bale, crate, stand, frame, vehicle, coal, wood, brick, lumber, litter, or other obstruction on them for longer than is absolutely necessary for the purpose of loading, unloading, moving or transporting the item. The rule does not apply to standard covered garbage cans set out at the times and places designated by ordinance or Manager's order, nor to items placed under a special permit for construction, dismantling, advertising, or other purposes provided elsewhere in the code.

A violation is a misdemeanor and, since the 2022 civil-remedies overhaul (Ord. No. 2022-339), the City may also enforce it through a civil penalty issued under Sec. 14-1005, or through injunctive or other equitable relief, or a combination of remedies, giving code enforcement a choice between criminal and civil tracks. The section traces to Code 1959, §19-13, and was last amended by Ord. No. 2022-339, §26, adopted February 15, 2022. It sits in Chapter 1 of Part 12 alongside related sidewalk-use rules, including Sec. 12-1003 on cellar doors and gratings and Sec.

12-1004 on cellars and vaults built under a sidewalk, both of which likewise require Council approval before a private structure can intrude on the public walkway.