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Public Works

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Office Location:
Public Works Department
500 15th Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Phone Number: (319) 286-5777
Fax Number: (319) 774-5653

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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Right-of-Way and Real Estate

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.
Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition staff is responsible for acquiring easements and property for City projects, disposing of excess City-owned property, vacating easements and City right-of-way and managing encroachments.

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