This is the portion of a plat that is designated for public roadways and utilities. When a property is platted (broken into separate parcels of land), right of way is included to provide for the necessary public roadways and utilities.

 

Width - In Brooklyn Park the right of way width can vary from 60 feet to 140 feet, depending upon the design of the roadway. Residential right of ways are typically 60 feet in width, however, in certain cases can be less than this, i.e. 40 or 50 feet. Right of way for cul-de-sacs typically has a radius of 60 feet (120 feet in diameter).

 

Ownership - Typically property owners own to the middle of the right of way with the government entity having the right to construct and maintain public roads and public utilities within the public “right of way”.

 

Boulevard - A boulevard is that portion of the right of way between the curb and gutter or edge of hard surface where no curb and gutter exist and the right of way line (typically the boulevard width is 14 feet in residential neighborhoods). Underground and overhead utilities are located in the boulevard areas and the City of Brooklyn Park discourages the planting of trees and shrubs within the boulevards. In the event these utilities need to be repaired or replaced, access is thus unimpaired. Street signs and street lights are also located in the boulevard area within the right of way.

 

Permits - Since utilities, signs, street lights and underground conduits for natural gas, water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications are located within the right of way, the City of Brooklyn Park requires approved permits (see Permits, Forms & Fees section, Engineering Division). The purpose of the permits is to control construction in the public right of way, identify existing facilities and prevent conflicts with future facilities.