Vanderburgh County, IN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 12.04.040
- Maximum fine
- $2,500 plus costs
- Permit issuer
- Board of County Commissioners
- Applies to
- county-maintained streets, alleys, sidewalks
- Related rule
- 12.04.080 allows 2-ft sidewalk display for abutting business
Summary
Vanderburgh County Code 12.04.040 makes it unlawful to obstruct any public way, including streets, alleys, and sidewalks, without a permit from the Board of Commissioners. The rule covers any physical blockage of the right-of-way and is backed by a fine of up to $2,500 under the chapter's general penalty section, 12.04.120.
12.04.040 Obstructing public ways. No person shall cause the obstruction of a public way without the permission of or without a permit issued by the board of commissioners. (Prior code § 92.04)
Full Breakdown
040 then flatly bars anyone from causing the obstruction of a public way without first getting permission from, or a permit issued by, the Board of County Commissioners. 080 lets a business abutting a sidewalk display goods in a two-foot strip of sidewalk without a separate permit, but requires board approval for anything larger. Read together, the chapter treats any unpermitted blockage, whether merchandise, debris, a structure, or equipment, as an obstruction subject to the same permit requirement. 110 as a group and caps the fine at $2,500 plus court costs per violation.
Because the county's road authority reaches county-maintained streets and sidewalks, this obstruction rule governs the unincorporated county road system rather than streets inside Evansville or Darmstadt, which enforce their own municipal obstruction codes.
Violations & Fines
A person who obstructs a public way without a Board-issued permit faces a fine of up to $2,500 plus court costs under Section 12.04.120, which covers every provision from 12.04.010 through 12.04.110. The Board of County Commissioners issues the permits that excuse an obstruction, so anyone needing to block a county road, alley, or sidewalk, for construction materials, a dumpster, or an encroaching structure, must apply before placing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster on the street in front of my house?
Can a store display merchandise on the sidewalk outside its door?
What's the fine for blocking a county road or sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vanderburgh County
Compare Vanderburgh County to another location·View the Indiana sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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