West Allis, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Branch clearance
- 7.5 feet above sidewalk
- Notice-to-cure
- 20 days (nonresident owners)
- Temporary walk width
- 4 feet during construction
Summary
West Allis bars blocking a public sidewalk with vehicles, chutes or ramps, and requires overhanging tree branches to clear 7.5 feet, keeping walkways passable under its sidewalks ordinance.
Vehicles, Chutes, etc. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.10(3) of this Code, no person, firm or corporation, their agent or employee, shall obstruct or block any public sidewalk with a vehicle, chute, ramp or by any other means that prevents free travel on said sidewalk. Notice to Non-Residents. In case any person violating any of the provisions of this subsection is a nonresident of the City and cannot be found, the City Engineer shall mail notice of the violation to the last known address of such person; and, if such violation is not corrected within twenty (20) days from mailing, the City Engineer shall cause such work required by the notice to be done and the cost shall be charged to the property on the next tax roll. Filling, Grading or Landscaping Sidewalk Areas. No person shall fill, grade or landscape sidewalk or curb areas to a grade other than that established by a duly adopted street grade ordinance of the City. "Sidewalk or curb area" is hereby defined to include all that part of the dedicated highway between the abutting property line and the main traveled portion of the highway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Revised Municipal Code § 11.07 prohibits obstructing or blocking a public sidewalk with a vehicle, chute, ramp or any other means that prevents free travel. A separate clause in the same section bars limbs, branches or shrubs from projecting over a sidewalk unless they clear at least 7.5 feet above the walking surface. During sidewalk construction or reconstruction, the responsible party must build a temporary walkway at least 4 feet wide with barricades and lighting around the obstruction. If a nonresident violator can't be found, the City Engineer mails notice; if the violation isn't fixed within 20 days, the City does the work itself and bills the property.
Violations & Fines
Blocking a sidewalk with a vehicle, chute or ramp, or letting branches hang below 7.5 feet over it, violates § 11.07; uncorrected violations bring City abatement work billed to the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my trailer across the sidewalk in front of my West Allis house?
How low can tree branches hang over a West Allis sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle obstruction rules.