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

Municipal Code § B6-131(E)(3) declares it a public nuisance to park or store vehicles, trailers, campers, boats, other recreational vehicles or equipment in a way that overhangs, blocks or obstructs a sidewalk, street, driveway or public right-of-way, or that violates the zoning ordinance's § D3-41(E). Item 10 of the same subsection reaches further, making it unlawful to place or maintain 'any obstruction other than a vehicle properly using appropriate travel lanes' on a public street or way, including sidewalks, pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, roadways and roadway shoulders, unless the city engineer has issued a permit; the code defines 'obstruction' to include vegetative growth, structures, construction or landscape material, and items such as sports equipment.

Item 11 separately reaches tree branches or vegetation that restrict sidewalk or street access, and item 25 requires cracked or buckled sidewalks to be kept clear and code-compliant. Under § B6-131(C) and (D), any person who maintains the obstruction and the property owner alike are responsible for the nuisance. Enforcement follows Article 2: the city manager may inspect areas visible from the street under § B6-142 and issue a written notice of violation under § B6-145 describing the obstruction and the code section violated, with thirty to ninety days to remove it.

A recipient can request an administrative hearing within ten days under § B6-146, but failing to request one within that window waives the right to contest the citation. Left uncorrected, the city may abate the obstruction itself and assess the removal cost, plus administrative and legal expenses, as a lien against the property under Article 3, and a second abatement judgment within two years can trigger treble damages under § B6-169.