San Diego, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

SDMC § 63.0503 sets the city's clear-path standard for people setting up on sidewalks, parks, plazas, and high-traffic areas for expressive activity such as art sales, performances, or leafleting: their table, easel, or display cannot reduce the useable sidewalk to less than 48 inches, block emergency access, or attach to a utility pole, sign, or trash can. Space is also capped at eight feet by four feet unless the City Manager has designated a larger expressive-activity area. This is the code's clear-path rule for that specific use; it is not a single citywide standard covering every kind of sidewalk obstruction, since construction materials and other private encroachments fall under separate right-of-way permits.