Los Angeles County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- County Code § 16.06.010
- Scope
- Unincorporated LA County only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor
- Permit issued by
- County Road Commissioner
- Covers
- Sidewalks, curbs, driveways, travel impediments
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, placing or leaving any impediment to travel on a highway or sidewalk requires a Public Works encroachment permit; obstructing without one is a misdemeanor under County Code Chapter 16.06.
Every person, except as otherwise provided in this Division 1, is required to obtain a permit from the commissioner before he: ... 7. Places or leaves any impediment to travel upon any highway. B. Any person who does any of the acts specified in this section, without the authority of such a permit, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 16.06.010, in the Highways title governing unincorporated county roads, requires anyone who places or leaves an impediment to travel, or makes an encroachment (an obstruction, structure, fence, or similar object) in, along, over, or across a highway -- a term the code defines to include county sidewalks -- to first obtain a permit from the county's Road Commissioner (Public Works). Work or an encroachment started without a permit must stop, and the responsible person must apply before continuing. Anyone who blocks a sidewalk or right-of-way this way without authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor. The rule applies only in the unincorporated area -- the City of Los Angeles and the county's 87 other incorporated cities enforce their own sidewalk-obstruction ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Blocking a highway or sidewalk without a Public Works encroachment permit is a misdemeanor under § 16.06.010(B); Public Works can also order the obstruction removed and require a permit before it may stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
What counts as an obstruction under this code?
What happens if I obstruct a sidewalk without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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