LA County Code prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. A minimum 4-foot clear path must be maintained for ADA compliance. Encroachment permits are required for any permanent or semi-permanent use of sidewalk space.
LA County Code and California Vehicle Code §22500 prohibit blocking or obstructing public sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. In unincorporated areas, all objects placed on sidewalks — including merchandise displays, signs, planters, and furniture — must maintain a minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian pathway per ADA standards. Temporary obstructions for construction require an encroachment permit from Public Works with provisions for pedestrian detour. Vegetation from private property that encroaches onto sidewalks must be trimmed by the property owner to maintain at least 8 feet of vertical clearance and the full sidewalk width. Trash bins may only be placed on sidewalks during designated collection periods. The Department of Public Works enforces obstruction rules and may remove unpermitted obstructions.
Obstruction of a public sidewalk may result in citations and removal of the obstruction at the owner's expense. ADA obstruction complaints may trigger federal investigations. Fines range from $50 to $500.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Santa Monica's obstruction rules rules stack up against other locations.
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