Riverside County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Keeping sidewalks clear is a shared duty under Riverside County Ord. 499 (Encroachments) and CA Streets and Highways Code. Obstructions include: parked vehicles blocking sidewalks (prohibited under CVC §22500), merchandise displays or sandwich boards without encroachment permits, vegetation (tree branches below 8 feet, bushes overhanging more than 2 feet into the walk), construction materials (fencing must preserve alternate pedestrian path), dumpsters and storage pods (permit required), and private landscaping encroachments. ADA requires minimum 48-inch clear path (60 inches preferred) with passing areas every 200 feet. Tree-branch clearance is 8 feet above sidewalks, 14 feet above streets. Vegetation pruning is the property owner's responsibility; county crews may prune and bill if not maintained. Sidewalk vending under SB 946 is permitted with a vendor permit but must still preserve 48-inch clearance. Temporary obstructions (moving, construction) need encroachment permits from Transportation Department. Violations begin with a Notice to Abate (typically 10 days to comply), escalating to administrative fines of $100-$500 and potential abatement costs.