City of Cedar Rapids

What is Right-of-Way?
Right-of-Way (ROW) is a strip of land used primarily for vehicular and pedestrian passage. ROW includes the area between the sidewalk and the curb. Although this area is City-owned, it is maintained by the property owner. During summer construction, the City attempts to make all street improvements in or alongside the ROW, but sometimes projects require additional right-of-way for construction activity. When this happens, the City may need to work on private property, and will reach out to property owners to secure additional land.

Terms & Definitions

• Easement: Granting the City permission from the property owner to be on their property (either temporarily or on a permanent basis) during construction or future maintenance. The property owner will still maintain ownership.
• Land Acquisition: The City will purchase a portion of private property from the property owner, (usually a strip of land) for additional right-of-way to accommodate a City street project. The area required will be purchased and would then belong to the City, not the property owner.

• Right of Way Permits
• Vacations / Dispositions
• Properties for Sale and/or Lease