TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
DATE: April 28, 2025
RE:
Title
Proposed Ordinance to Prohibit Blocking of 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. Council provided consensus to advance this item at its work session on January 6, 2025, but delay enforcement until the City completed an educational campaign about the change.
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. Adopt the proposed ordinance with changes.
3. Reject the proposed ordinance and give staff additional direction.
Recommended Action:
Move to adopt the proposed ordinance prohibiting the blocking of streets and sidewalks.
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance.