COUNTY ROAD
RIGHT-OF-WAYS

The county road right-of way averages 60 feet in width. This area is designated for snow storage, drainage, signage and utilities. At times, it is necessary to plow snow well off the road into the right-of-way to make room for the next storm.

Homeowners and residents need to be careful not to place landscaping or other objects in the right-of-way as items could be damaged by plows. The county is not responsible for landscaping or objects placed within the right-of-way.

Utility companies mark power boxes and telephone pedestals to protect them from damage by snowplows in the winter. Your cooperation in leaving the markers intact will greatly benefit Road and Bridge and utility companies.

When installing your roadside mailbox, please make sure that it is placed outside of the county right-of-ways. The county is not responsible for mailboxes placed within the right-of-way.

Right-of-Way Permits

Summit County Road and Bridge issues right-of-way permits for culvert and utility installations within the public right of way, outside city limits and jurisdiction. Please contact us concerning any landscaping proposals along the right of way as we may be able to assist you in identifying where your property line is in relation to the public right of way.

Permits for any type of excavation within the right of way may be submitted on a walk-in basis during office hours, or an on site visit may be arranged.

Excavating in county paved road right-of-ways may not be allowed after October 15th due to availability of hot mix asphalt and due to temperature.

Excavating in county gravel and paved road right-of-ways is not allowed from November 1st to April 30th.

All landscaping and driveway accesses in the county right-of-way must conform to current county codes and standards.

Right-of-way (road cut) permits will be issued to the following individuals only:

• Registered general contractors in good standing who wish to assume responsibility for any failures for a period of two years.
• Registered excavating contractors in good standing.
• New contractors with no track record will need to submit a two-year bond and/or have soil tested for proper compaction by a registered soil engineer.
• Owners/Builders who wish to do either the excavation themselves or hire someone who does not fall into the above categories. In this case, submission of a two-year bond and/or soil testing for proper compaction by a registered soil engineer will be required.

If you are a new contractor or an owner/builder, you will need to meet with the road inspector before excavation may take place.

Excavating in a county road without a right-of-way permit will result in a penalty fee.

In the case of emergency, repair to utilities which present danger to life or property may proceed, upon condition that the road inspector is notified within 24 hours of the commencement of the work. A permit is required prior to constructing, removing or using any portion of the public right-of -way.

Application forms for this specific permit may be obtained from the County Road Inspector at the Summit County Road and Bridge Department.

If you wish to speak with the County Road Inspector, call 970. 668.4199 between 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.  Please leave a voice mail message if you are calling after 9:00 a.m.