Overcoming Obstacles on Blue Ridge Sidewalks

Sidewalks will be getting safer in downtown Blue Ridge with a new sidewalk ordinance under consideration by the City Council.  First off, crowded and narrow sidewalks are against national Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.  All sidewalks in the US must have a five foot obstacle free zone between the curb and building or whatever a business puts on the sidewalk.  The five foot free zone means that wheelchairs, walkers and strollers can move down sidewalks without having to go out into the street to clear obstacles.  The new ordinance will also affect what businesses can put on the sidewalks.  Things like benches, advertising boards and flowerpots will be okay; items for sale or clothes racks will not.  Businesses that are on stretches of the sidewalk that are more than five feet from the curb will be able to put items on the sidewalk up to where the five feet right-of-way begins.

There already is a sidewalk ordinance in place in Blue Ridge, however it is routinely disregarded by businesses.  So the City Council will also be adding penalties to businesses who don’t mind the ordinances.  Suggestions are a warning for the first infraction, a fine for the second and the possibility of losing a business license for repeat infractions.   Blue Ridge will also be asking for businesses to carry liability insurance for the sidewalk space beyond the five foot right-of-way.