TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Lachelle Pulliam, City Attorney
DATE: January 6, 2025
RE:
Title
Proposed Ordinance to Prohibit Impeding Sidewalks/Blocking Streets and Sidewalks
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
ALL
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
GOAL I - Safe and Secure Community
Executive Summary:
The City’s Code of Ordinances does not address pedestrian safety on streets and sidewalks other than to prohibit obstructions caused by construction debris, overgrowth, gasoline pumps, merchandise soliciting, as examples. The Code does not address obstructions caused by people or other objects that impede travel on streets and sidewalks within the City limits. Council is requested to approve the ordinance amendment to close this gap.
Background:
A review of complaints about individuals and objects impeding/blocking sidewalks found that the city’s Code of Ordinances does not include a prohibition against doing so. All public sidewalks must be accessible to all pedestrians, including people with mobility concerns. Other NC municipalities have similar ordinances.
Issues/Analysis:
The City’s Code of Ordinances does not fully address obstructions caused by people or other objects that impede travel on streets and sidewalks within the City limits.
Budget Impact:
Unknown.
Options:
Provide consensus to adopt the proposed ordinance as drafted at the next regular City Council meeting.
Provide suggested changes and adopt the proposed ordinance as amended at the next regular City Council Meeting.
Do not provide consensus to move the item forward.
Recommended Action:
Provide consensus to adopt the proposed ordinance as drafted at the next regular City Council meeting.
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance.