Troy, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

09, Sidewalk Maintenance, states that no person shall permit any sidewalk or driveway approach which adjoins property owned by him or her to fall into a state of disrepair or to be unsafe, or to be blocked or obstructed with bushes, trees, fixtures, or any other thing so that pedestrians or travelers on that sidewalk or vehicles traveling on the driveway approach do not have full use of the sidewalk or driveway approach. The duty runs to the abutting owner regardless of who caused the obstruction, and it covers both the physical condition of the concrete and anything placed or growing on it that narrows or blocks the path of travel.

11 specifying a reasonable time of not less than seven calendar days to begin the work, which must then proceed with due diligence. If the owner refuses or neglects to remove the obstruction within that window, the Director has the sidewalk cleared or repaired directly and bills the owner, collectible as any other debt to the City, including by placing the cost on the next tax roll or filing a circuit court action. Where the Director finds the blocked condition poses an immediate danger to the public, the notice requirement is waived and emergency work proceeds at once.