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1. Why do we have speed limits?

Speed limits create a traffic flow where most cars are moving at or around the same speed, limiting the risk of accidents and crashes. This video from the Minnesota Department of Transportation provides more information.

2. What are my responsibilities in regard to the right of way?

Residents and businesses are required to maintain the right of way area by keeping it mowed and clear of debris. Property owners are also discouraged from doing any landscaping or planting in the right of way. If plantings - with the exception of grass - are damaged during utility work, they may not be replaced. For more information, contact Public Works.

3. What is a right of way?

A right of way is the publicly owned area in a development or neighborhood that extends beyond the back of the curb into the residential or business yard. 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).

The size of the right of way is not always the same for every property. The right of way is important for the installation and maintenance of streets and private and public utilities, including:

• electrical
• phone
• sewer
• storm sewer lines
• water

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.

4. What is an easement?

An easement is the area of land that lies adjacent to the private property line. An easement allows public and private utilities to do work on approximately 10 feet either side of the property line without seeking permission from the property owner. The only difference between an easement and the right of way is the easement is private rather than public property.

Typically, easements are either included as part of the original plat of the property or have been established through negotiation with a property owner. The easement stays in effect until the easement is no longer needed and is vacated. If the property is bought and sold, the easement remains in effect.