San Benito County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Loitering blocking sidewalk passage
- Covers
- Highways, alleys, sidewalks, crosswalks
- Scope
- Unincorporated county area only
- Enacted
- Ord. 155 (1966 Code § 14-6)
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County bars loitering, standing, or sitting on a public highway, sidewalk, or crosswalk in any way that blocks the free passage of people or vehicles trying to get by.
No person shall loiter, stand or sit in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk so as to in any manner hinder or obstruct the free passage therein or thereon of persons or vehicles passing or attempting to pass along the same, or so as to in any manner annoy or molest persons passing along the same.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County Code § 19.27.007 makes it unlawful to loiter, stand, or sit in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk, or crosswalk in unincorporated San Benito County so as to hinder or obstruct the free passage of persons or vehicles passing or attempting to pass, or to annoy or molest people passing along the same. The rule targets blocking or harassing behavior on the public right-of-way rather than legitimate uses like walking, deliveries, or permitted encroachments under the separate right-of-way permit rule at § 19.27.004. It applies only outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista, which enforce their own sidewalk and nuisance codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 19.27.007 is enforceable under the county's general penalty provisions; deputies can order a person to move along or cite them for obstructing a highway, sidewalk, or crosswalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for standing on a rural sidewalk talking to a neighbor?
Does this cover sidewalks inside Hollister?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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