Redding, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Merchant loading exception
- 2 hours to clear goods from sidewalk
- Pedestrian clearance required
- 5-foot clear path at all times
- Repeat violation rule
- Each day obstruction remains is a separate offense
- Removal notice
- 1 hour verbal notice from superintendent of streets
- Unpaid removal cost
- City may auction obstruction after 5 days' notice
Summary
Redding declares it a nuisance to place any obstruction in a public street, alley, parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall, though merchants get a two-hour loading window and a five-foot path must always stay clear for pedestrians, under Redding Municipal Code § 13.24.010.
It is declared a nuisance and is unlawful for any person to place an obstruction of any kind in a public street or alley, public parkway, sidewalk, or pedestrian mall in the city, or to authorize, procure or permit any obstruction to be placed therein or thereon; provided that (1) merchants and others receiving and delivering goods, whose premises are not served by an alley, shall be allowed two hours from the time such goods are deposited on a sidewalk or parkway until they are removed, and (2) a space five feet in width shall at all times be kept clear for a combination of persons passing. Each day any such obstruction is maintained or permitted in any such street or alley or on any such parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall shall be deemed a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
010 declares it a nuisance and unlawful to place, or allow anyone else to place, an obstruction of any kind in a public street, alley, parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall. Merchants and others receiving or delivering goods whose premises aren't served by an alley get two hours from the moment goods are set on the sidewalk or parkway to remove them, and a five-foot-wide path must stay clear for passersby at all times regardless of that exception. Each day an obstruction is maintained is a separate offense.
25. 020: the superintendent of streets gives the owner or the person responsible one hour's verbal notice to remove the obstruction, and if it isn't removed in time the city removes it itself and charges the cost to the owner. If the owner won't pay after being asked, the superintendent can seize the obstruction and sell it at public auction following five days' posted notice in three public places, adding a three-dollar seizure or sale charge on top of the removal costs.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining or permitting an obstruction in a public street, alley, parkway, sidewalk or pedestrian mall is a separate offense for every day it continues under § 13.24.010; under § 13.24.020 the city can remove the obstruction after one hour's notice, bill the owner for the cost, and, if unpaid, seize and auction the obstruction after five days' posted public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a delivery pallet on a Redding sidewalk while I unload?
What happens if the city finds something blocking a Redding sidewalk?
Can the city sell an obstruction it removes?
Are sidewalk cafe tables or news racks illegal obstructions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
California rules heatmap·Compare Redding to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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