07/24/2026
PSA: Notice to Downtown Business Owners and Residents Regarding the Sidewalk Parking Ordinance
As of this week, the Girard City Council adopted an amendment to the City's parking ordinance affecting the use of sidewalks throughout Girard. The Girard Police Department believes it is important to keep residents and business owners informed whenever changes to our local laws may affect our community and change the way GPD enforces local ordinances.
Under the revised ordinance, the definition of a "sidewalk" has been expanded to include the portion of a street or highway between the curb lines (or lateral lines of a roadway) and the adjacent property lines intended for pedestrian use.
As a result, no person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon a public sidewalk. This prohibition applies to all motorized vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, golf carts, and electric vehicles. For many downtown businesses, this means these vehicles may no longer be parked on or across sidewalk areas in front of or alongside commercial properties.
The ordinance also prohibits parking a vehicle in a private driveway if any portion of the vehicle protrudes over, obstructs, or blocks a public sidewalk.
Violations of this revised ordinance are now punishable as a minor misdemeanor for a first offense, carrying a fine of up to $150. Subsequent offenses may be charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail.
This ordinance was drafted and adopted by the Girard City Council through the City's legislative process and became law upon approval. As the City's law enforcement agency, the Girard Police Department's responsibility is to educate the public, answer questions, and enforce all duly enacted local ordinances, as well as state and federal laws, fairly, consistently, and impartially.
GPD’s goal is to ensure the community understands these changes. During the initial implementation of this new ordinance, Girard officers will make every reasonable effort to educate motorists and business owners before taking enforcement action, when circumstances permit. We appreciate the cooperation of our residents and business community as we work together to keep our sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone.
