Redlands, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Section 12.12.040
- Permit issuer
- Street superintendent
- Merchandise exception
- Half sidewalk width, 2 hours max
- Awning clearance
- At least 7 feet above sidewalk
- Emergency vehicles
- Always have unobstructed right of way
Summary
Blocking free passage on any Redlands street or sidewalk without a permit is unlawful under City Code Section 12.12.040. The street superintendent weighs pedestrian and vehicle traffic, effects on nearby businesses and institutions, and public health and safety before issuing an obstruction permit, and the code carves out narrow exceptions for brief merchandise deliveries and stopped trains.
It is unlawful to obstruct the free passage or use of any portion of any roadway, street or sidewalk, without first obtaining a permit to do so from the street superintendent. In determining whether to issue such a permit, the street superintendent shall be guided by the following considerations: A. The conditions of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the affected area; B. The effect upon stores, offices and other places of business in the area; C. The effect upon residences, hospitals, churches, schools, and other educational institutions in the area; D. The importance of or need for the obstructing activity; and E. The general requirements of the public health, safety and welfare.
Full Breakdown
040 to obstruct the free passage or use of any portion of any roadway, street, or sidewalk without first obtaining a permit from the street superintendent. In deciding whether to grant that permit, the superintendent must weigh the condition of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area, the effect on stores, offices, and other businesses, the effect on residences, hospitals, churches, schools, and other educational institutions, the importance of or need for the obstructing activity, and the general requirements of public health, safety, and welfare.
050 carves out two narrow exceptions: obstructing up to half the sidewalk's width for no more than two hours a day to receive or deliver merchandise, and a railroad engine or cars stopping on a street for up to three consecutive minutes. 070 separately makes it unlawful to block, obstruct, or make a sidewalk or street unsafe for travel with merchandise for sale, storage, display, advertisement, refuse, debris, or containers, or to keep building appurtenances extending over public property without specific permission. 110. 060 whenever signaling with a siren or flashing light.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a sidewalk or street without the required permit under Section 12.12.040, or blocking one with merchandise, refuse, or debris under Section 12.12.070, is unlawful under Chapter 12.12. Absent a penalty written into that chapter, the citywide general penalty in Sections 1.20.010 and 1.20.020 applies: up to six months in the county jail and a $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor, or, if the city attorney elects to charge it as an infraction, fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a sidewalk sale display in front of my Redlands store?
Who decides whether I can get a permit to obstruct a Redlands street or sidewalk?
How low can an awning hang over a Redlands sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redlands
California rules heatmap·Compare Redlands to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle obstruction rules.