Sherman, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Article 3.10 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances, titled Streets and Sidewalks, opens with a flat prohibition in § 3.10.001(a)(1). No person, whether acting for himself or as the agent or employee of another, can obstruct any sidewalk, alley, street or highway of the city. The section names the methods: a fence, tying an animal of any kind on or across the way, placing or leaving a vehicle, a machine or any other object that interferes with the travel of pedestrians or vehicles, or congregating in a manner that prevents free passage. The one exception, in § 3.10.001(a)(2), is an obstruction that complies with the central business district rules in subsection (b).

Those downtown rules are specific. Boundaries for the central business district come from § 14.03.009(b)(1). The unobstructed pedestrian area is at least 36 inches wide between the curb and the property line, completely clear even of posts, and it includes the sidewalk. Merchandise, food, signs, potted plants, benches, tables and chairs cannot sit in that strip. No merchandise can be sold from the public way unless a special event allows it. Tables and chairs placed in the right-of-way must be sturdy, non-rusty and non-splintering. Potted plants and benches can be anchored against theft but must stay removable with minimal, easily repairable damage to the sidewalk, and plants must be non-hazardous, trimmed and maintained. Awning and balcony supports within the sidewalk need approval from the director of engineering. Subsection (b)(7) supplies three defenses: a special event participant vending on the designated premises, a person vending in connection with official government business, and the grantee of a city contract to operate a concession on designated public property.

The same section adds related bans. Poles, pedestals, columns, piers and other structures cannot be erected on any street, alley, sidewalk or parkway, except that telephone, communication, power and light companies can erect poles under their franchises. A gate cannot swing over the public right-of-way or any part of a sidewalk or street. Nobody can write, stencil, paint or paste a sign or advertisement on a sidewalk, or hang a sign over, upon or across one unless the code permits it elsewhere. Cloth banners can extend over a street only with the city manager's permission, which cannot run past seven (7) days.