Right of Way (ROW) Management Plan

General Information

1.1. Purpose

The purpose of the Road Right-of-Way (Right-of-Way) Management Plan is to establish policies, procedures and guidelines governing the use and management of roadways under the jurisdiction of the Board of Blaine County Commissioners, based on its responsibility to maintain a roadway system that is reasonably safe and convenient for public travel.

Overview

2.1. Public Road Rights-of-Way Defined

All public roads are located within land which is referred to as public road rights-of-way (right-of-way).  Within a typical right-of-way, the following public facilities can be commonly found: driving surface, roadside shoulders and borrow areas, public utilities, bike lanes, sidewalks, and traffic signs.  Lands within the right-of-way are reserved for public travel, other public facilities, and their maintenance.  Right-of-way width is established by deed, statute, or through the platting process.  Generally, private use of the right-of-way is only allowed by obtaining an approved approach or encroachment permit.  

2.2. Right-of-Way Establishment

County rights-of-way are established through a variety of processes, including but not limited to dedication through the subdivision platting process, prescriptive use, express easements, and federal grants known as R.S. 2477 roads.  Each right-of-way’s width and scope of enforcement will vary dependent upon the manner in which the right-of-way was established. County rights-of-way are 50 feet wide, in the absence of evidence of establishment of a different right-of-way width. Once established, the right-of-way cannot be abandoned or vacated without express action by the Board of Blaine County Commissioners.  

Complete ROW Documents

Road Right of Way Management Plan

Blaine County Road Right of Way Management Plan

Reference Links

Forms and Drawings

Blaine County Approach & Encroachment Permit Application

Approaches – Standard Drawing

Underground Utilities - Standard Drawing

Road Cut and Patch - Standard Drawing

Private Road with Public Access – Standard Drawing

Rural Major Access – Standard Drawing

Rural Minor Access/Residential – Standard Drawing

Rural Drywell – Standard Drawing

Agricultural Access – Standard Drawing

Improved Access – Standard Drawing

Recreational Access – Standard Drawing