How Much of Your Yard Does the City Own?
When you think of your yard, you probably think of it as your private property. But did you know that the city may actually own a portion of it? It’s true! In most cities, the city owns a strip of land along the front of your property, known as the “right-of-way.” The right-of-way is typically used for sidewalks, streets, and utilities. So, how much of your yard does the city own? It depends on the city, but it’s typically between 5 and 15 feet.
There are a few things you can do to find out how much of your yard the city owns. You can check your property deed. The deed will show the boundaries of your property, and it will also indicate if there is a right-of-way on your property. You can also contact your city’s planning department. The planning department will have a map of the right-of-way in your city. They can also tell you if there are any plans to widen the right-of-way in the future.
What Can You Do with the Right-of-Way?
The right-of-way is public property, so you can’t build anything on it without getting a permit from the city. However, you can use the right-of-way for other purposes, such as:
- Parking your car
- Planting trees and flowers
- Putting up a fence
- Installing a mailbox
If you’re planning to do any work on the right-of-way, it’s important to get a permit from the city first. The city will want to make sure that your work doesn’t interfere with the public’s use of the right-of-way.
Who is Responsible for Maintaining the Right-of-Way?
The city is responsible for maintaining the right-of-way. This includes mowing the grass, trimming the trees, and repairing the sidewalks. If you see something that needs to be fixed on the right-of-way, you can contact the city’s public works department.
What Happens if You Encroach on the Right-of-Way?
If you build something on the right-of-way without getting a permit, the city may order you to remove it. The city may also charge you a fine. So, it’s important to make sure that you know where the right-of-way is on your property before you start any work.
FAQ
Q: How can I find out how much of my yard the city owns?
A: You can check your property deed or contact your city’s planning department.
Q: What can I do with the right-of-way?
A: You can use the right-of-way for parking, planting, fencing, and installing a mailbox.
Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the right-of-way?
A: The city is responsible for maintaining the right-of-way.
Q: What happens if I encroach on the right-of-way?
A: If you build something on the right-of-way without getting a permit, the city may order you to remove it and may charge you a fine.
Conclusion
The right-of-way is a strip of land along the front of your property that is owned by the city. The city uses the right-of-way for sidewalks, streets, and utilities. You can use the right-of-way for other purposes, such as parking, planting, fencing, and installing a mailbox. However, it’s important to get a permit from the city before you do any work on the right-of-way.
Are you interested in learning more about the right-of-way? If so, there are a number of resources available online.
