Rapid City, SD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

020A makes it unlawful for anyone without legal privilege to obstruct a public street, alley, sidewalk, way, place or building and, after a police officer's warning, persist in doing so; the code defines OBSTRUCT as rendering the space impassable without reasonable inconvenience or hazard, and expressly protects gatherings formed only to hear a speaker. Subsection C separately bans placing goods, wares, merchandise, containers, advertising signs, bicycle racks, popcorn stands or other movable property on a public street, alley or sidewalk in a way that obstructs or interferes with free use, though it carves out a narrow exception for businesses in the Original Town of Rapid during a Chief of Police-authorized special event, crazy days promotion, or Main Street Square event, running from one hour before to one hour after the event.

Subsection D allows tree planters and attached benches placed by an abutting property owner if the sidewalk is about 15 feet wide, at least 5 feet remains between the planter or bench and the property line, and at least 3 feet remains to the back of the curb, subject to Public Works Director approval of placement and design and a ban on any advertising on the planters or benches. Subsection E adds a distinct rule against hindering another person's passage on a public street, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk after consuming alcohol, marijuana or a controlled substance, defining HINDER as causing someone to slow down, deviate, or turn around.