Impeding the use of a roadway.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 40-27
in effectSec. 40-27. - Impeding the use of a roadway.
(a) The following words, terms, and phrases when used in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning:
Block means to render the entrance or exit to a building impassable, or to place, plant, leave, or erect any object or thing, upon a sidewalk that would in any manner prevent or restrict public use of or access to any part of the sidewalk, or that would render the use of the sidewalk unreasonably dangerous or difficult. Block shall not mean any activity authorized by this Code or by the city or any expressive activity.
Impede means to render the use of a roadway unreasonably difficult or dangerous.
Roadway means the portion of a street improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel and includes medians or any raised paved surface within the roadway.
Sidewalk means that portion of the public street that is between the curblines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines and is improved and designed for or is ordinarily used for pedestrian travel.
Street means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
(b) It shall be unlawful for an individual to impede the use of a roadway.
(c) It shall be unlawful for an individual to block a sidewalk.
(d) It shall be unlawful for an individual to block the entrance or exit to a building.
(e) No police officer shall issue a citation, make an arrest or otherwise enforce this section against any person unless the officer first requests or orders the person to refrain from the alleged prohibited conduct and the person fails to comply.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (b) that the person impeding the roadway is authorized to do so under an authorization issued by the city as required by Texas Transportation Code Section 552.0071 (a).
(g) It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (d) that the person is blocking the entrance or exit to a building with the permission of the property owner.
(h) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in section 1-6 of this Code.
(Ord. No. 2017-256, § 2, 4-12-2017; Ord. No. 2021-206, § 2, 3-24-2021)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH40STSI_ARTIINGE_S40-27IMUSROFetched: 10/26/2026