TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Lachelle Pulliam, City Attorney
DATE: January 13, 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:
At Council’s January 6, 2025, it provided consensus to move this item forward. Council also directed staff to work with NCDOT to address this same issue with respect to state roads. 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:
1. Adopt the proposed ordinance as drafted.
2. Do not adopt the proposed ordinance and provide directions to staff.
Recommended Action:
Adopt the proposed ordinance as drafted.
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance.