Stratford, CT Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Stratford regulates what can sit on a public sidewalk in several places, and each rule has its own number.

Roadside memorials. Under § 186-70, a memorial is allowed along a public sidewalk, roadway or right of way owned and maintained by the Town of Stratford for a period not to exceed 90 days, and it must leave at least three feet of clear width for pedestrians on any public sidewalk. It cannot encroach upon any public roadway, cannot contain unattended candles, glass or other sharp or dangerous objects, and cannot have any dimension exceeding three feet in length, width, height or depth. The Police Department decides whether a memorial causes unsafe conditions. Under § 186-71, the Town can remove a noncompliant memorial before the 90 days end, after reasonable efforts to contact those responsible, and keeps removed items for 30 days so they can be retrieved.

Standing vehicles. Section 203-12 bars any person from permitting a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle (RV), camper, trailer or boat to remain standing upon any Town common, right-of-way, highway, sidewalk or between any street lines of the Town for longer than 72 hours. Section 203-14(A) sets a fine not exceeding $100 and treats each motor vehicle as a separate offense. Section 203-13 limits a vehicle repair or sale business to three hours in any one day for a vehicle left on a Town common or public highway or sidewalk.

Other encroachments. A driveway approach cannot extend over or cover a sidewalk (§ 186-45(B)). A newsrack on any public land or sidewalk needs a permit (§ 140-1), and a permitted newsrack cannot exceed 50 inches in height, 25 inches in width or 20 inches in thickness (§ 140-3). Vending on streets or sidewalks needs a license from the Chief of Police plus Zoning Commission approval (§ 116-11). Parked vehicles are separately ticketed: obstructing a sidewalk is a Group I parking violation at $25 under § 203-8.