Texarkana, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 130-5, 130-6
- Sidewalk licenses
- CB district only
- Minimum clear path
- 4 feet, 1 foot off curb
- Enforcing department
- Public works / code enforcement
- Corner clearance
- 20 feet from intersection
Summary
Placing structures, objects, vehicles, or debris on Texarkana's public rights-of-way and sidewalks is unlawful without a city license, and unlicensed obstructions get removed at the owner's cost.
Unlawful activities. The following activities, uses, conditions or occurrences on the public right-of-way shall be deemed unlawful:(1)Operating any machinery having tracks, feet or pulling lugs over or along any paved streets or alleys.(2)Hauling of gravel, brick, sand, concrete, ready mix concrete or mortar in such a manner to scatter or waste these substances onto any streets, alleys or sidewalks.(3)Dropping, spilling or leaking out of any tank or vessel, whether connected with a motor vehicle or otherwise, any gasoline or other oil or petroleum-based substance on to any street, alley or sidewalk.(4)Discharging any odorous water, sewage, wastewater, waste oils, kitchen grease, kitchen slop water, mop water or other offensive or hazardous substance onto any public right-of-way.(5)Placing, storing, constructing, installing or maintaining any structure, building, object, vehicle, device, fence, wall or other material on or within any public right-of-way. Trees and other living, domesticated vegetation located within the parkway area of a paved street and mailboxes are exempt from this prohibition.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 130-5 bars placing, storing, or maintaining any structure, object, vehicle, device, fence, or wall on a public right-of-way (sidewalk, street, or alley) unless licensed by the public works department; trees in the parkway and mailboxes are the only exemptions. Businesses can license sidewalk encumbrances (chairs, tables, sandwich boards) only in the CB central business district, must leave a 4-foot clear path at least 1 foot off the curb, and can't block doorways, driveways, or corner sightlines within 20 feet of an intersection. Sec. 130-6 lets the city remove any unlicensed obstruction and pursue compliance or penalties against the owner.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed right-of-way obstruction: city removal at owner's expense plus code-enforcement penalties under Sec. 100-5; licensed sidewalk encumbrances violating placement rules can have the license revoked without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Texarkana business put tables or a sign on the sidewalk?
What happens if I block the sidewalk without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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