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

Sidewalk obstructions are regulated by each Wayne County municipality rather than the county itself, but the rules are broadly similar. Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, and most suburbs require property owners to keep the public sidewalk in front of their property clear of overgrown hedges, tree limbs hanging below 8 feet, trash bins placed out more than 24 hours before collection, construction materials, and snow and ice. Commercial A-frame sandwich-board signs require a permit in Detroit's downtown and neighborhood business districts and cannot block the pedestrian clear path, which must be at least 4 feet wide under ADA guidelines. Outdoor cafes and sidewalk sales need separate encroachment permits. Illegally parked vehicles blocking sidewalks are a ticketable offense. Snow and ice must be removed within a set window, commonly 24 hours in Detroit and 12 to 24 hours in suburban cities, following winter storms. Repeat obstruction violations can escalate to abatement where the city removes the obstruction and bills the owner.