Can You Get In Trouble For Using Chalk On The Sidewalk In Front Of Your Home? Here's What We Know

Sidewalks in residential areas are not usually controversial unless they are damaged and dirty in a way that can affect curb appeal and hurt your chances of selling your home. Temporary sidewalk chalk doodles aren't usually problematic in this way. Sidewalk chalk is often associated with children's activities, although adults may enjoy this artistic medium, too. Given the crack-down over chalk art and chalking in public areas, you might be understandably concerned about whether your or your loved ones can legally use sidewalk chalk in front of your home. Rest assured — unless you live in a residential community that does not allow sidewalk chalk art or there are city laws that outlaw the practice, it's unlikely you will get in trouble for using sidewalk chalk in front of your own property.

While sidewalk chalk itself first gained prominence around the middle of the 20^th century, this artistic tool is actually much older. In fact, early humans are thought to have used forms of chalk to create messages and drawings. Over the centuries, chalk has evolved into an essential tool to create street art, while some people also engage in the process of "chalking" messages on sidewalks.

It's always a good idea to check with your city and county regarding sidewalk chalking laws. Despite chalk art in public spaces being involved in legal controversy from time to time, creating drawings and doodles in front of your own property is usually not an issue. This is a different situation than chalking on sidewalks around public areas, which has spurred numerous lawsuits over the years.

If you're concerned about getting in trouble for using chalk on a sidewalk, much of the answer lies on whether you're wanting to use the chalk on private or public property. As a general rule, you will need permission to create sidewalk art or messages in public spaces, such as parks, city roads, or around schools. It's also not legal to chalk on private properties. Additionally, some universities have been known to allow the use of sidewalk chalk, but in designated areas only. 

It is generally not illegal to use chalk on the sidewalk in front of your own home. Nevertheless, there may still be rules against the practice, particularly if you live in a residential community with a homeowner's association (HOA). As such, you might want to look through your HOA covenants, or perhaps reach out to a member of your HOA board. This can help save you from the hassle and money of possible fees and legal action if it turns out that sidewalk chalk is indeed against the rules of your HOA. It's also worth knowing how the HOA could be affecting your backyard, too. A final consideration is whether the sidewalk chalk is used for creating controversial messages, which may not be allowed in your neighborhood.

More often than not, though, a community will not mind the simple doodles from a child having fun with sidewalk chalk. Just be sure you're using typical washable-grade formulas and that the activities don't significantly disrupt pedestrian traffic.