What is a right of way?

A right of way is the publicly owned area in a development or neighborhood. Rights of way are important for the installation and maintenance of streets and private and public utilities, including electrical, phone, sewer and water, and storm sewer lines. A common misconception is that the homeowner’s or business owner’s property line goes right up to the curb. It does not. The public owns a certain amount of the land behind the curb (right of way) that extends into the residential or business property line. The size of the right of way is not the same for every property. The right of way area behind the curb is also used for snow storage when the city plows streets. The city administers the use of this area through a permitting process. Contact City Engineering office at 507-645-3020 for further assistance.

Show All Answers

1. When is a building, plumbing, mechanical or electrical permit required?
2. Can a homeowner do work on their own home?
3. How does one get an electrical permit?
4. How do I obtain a Building Permit?
5. When is a building permit not required?
6. What methods of payment are accepted for permits?
7. What are the required inspections for a Building Permit?
8. Who must have a Residential Contractor’s License?
9. Can I build a shed or detached garage on my property?
10. Where do I find information about my property?
11. How do I locate my property line?
12. Why is my yard marked up with different colors of paint or flags?
13. What is a right of way?
14. What is an easement?
15. Can I build a fence on my property?
16. Can I dig on my own property?
17. What is considered a blighted property?
18. Who is responsible for removal of snow and ice from a public sidewalk?
19. What are some of the most common code violations?