Smyrna, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 90-31 of the Smyrna Code is the core obstruction rule. It is unlawful to place or maintain, or cause to be placed or maintained, in any of the streets or easements or on any of the public sidewalks any obstruction of any kind or character whatever. The only route around the ban is consent of the Mayor and Council, given at a regularly constituted meeting and entered upon the minutes of the meeting where consent is given. Staff cannot grant that consent on their own, and a hallway approval is not the minuted vote the section requires.

Section 90-34 covers material deposited on streets. It is unlawful for any individual or group to deposit any material on the streets that causes an obstacle to traffic or any unsightly condition. The section applies to leaves, trash, dirt, sand, gravel, mud or any other foreign material, and it leaves to the discretion of the superintendent of streets which deposits constitute a nuisance. Section 90-32 bars depositing leaves, trash, garbage or other material in enclosed catchbasins, storm sewers, easements or road rights-of-way so as to obstruct or restrict drainage. Section 90-33 bars obstructing or restricting drainage on recorded easements by installing any fence or permanent structure, and if such items must be removed from a city easement the property owners bear the cost of reconstruction and reinstallation.

Section 90-35 sets the enforcement sequence for Sections 90-32 through 90-34. When a violation comes to the attention of the city marshal or a police officer, he or she directs the violator to correct the infraction immediately. If the condition has not been corrected, or it reoccurs, the marshal or police officer can cite the accused to appear in the municipal court. Related permits for street and sidewalk cuts (Section 90-1), driveways (Section 90-2) and private underground utilities (Section 90-4) are handled by the superintendent of public works or the public works department.