Right of Way Information

Road Right-of-Way

Where, What, and Why

All state, county, and township roads are located on land that is referred to as road right-of-way. The width of the road right-of-way can vary a great deal.  There are instances where the road centerline does not match the center of the road right-of-way.  It is advisable to utilize a surveying or engineering firm to determine the actual width and location of the road right-of-way.   The road right-of-way is intended for all road, pedestrian facility, and public utility purposes.

Right-of-Way Use Public Purpose  

Within a typical road right-of-way, some of the following public facilities can be found:   The driving surface, roadside shoulders, road and county drainage systems, aerial and underground public utilities, sidewalks or non-motorized paths, and traffic signs and signals.    Property owners are allowed to install a mailbox within the road right-of-way.  However the mailbox and post shall meet the guidelines of the local jurisdiction and U.S. Post Office.  All non-approved objects placed within the road right-of-way are considered encroachments.

Ohio law prohibits the placement of any object, except authorized mailbox mountings, within the county road right-of-way unless that object is permitted by the Greene County Engineer.  In many instances, property owners or contractors place fences, rocks/boulders, trees/shrubs, earthwork, or other objects within the road right-of-way as a measure of improving landscape.    However, these fixed objects often become hazards to errant motorists, vision obstructions, or interfere with road and public utility improvements and are subject to removal from the road right-of-way.  Cooperation in keeping the road right-of-way free of all potential hazards is much appreciated.

Permit to Work in the County Road Right-of-Way  

An individual or organization who desires to perform work in the county road right-of-way must secure a permit that authorizes the activity.  Some examples of work that typically require a permit are: 

  • Adding or improving a driveway approach  
  • Adding, improving, or maintaining a public or private utility  
  • Adding or improving a sidewalk or non-motorized path  
  • Adding storm water to or improving a roadside drainage system  
  • Surveying and other engineering operations  
  • Closing a section of road for a parade, celebration, festival, demonstration, or similar activity  
  • Grading or excavation, landscaping, tree planting, tree trimming or tree removal  
  • Any construction activity that impacts storm water runoff into or around road right-of-way

       Permit information can be found here

Ohio Roadway Laws Governing ROW Width

You will find this document to be separated into three main sections; State Roads, County  Roads, and Township Roads. State Roads should not be confused with current State Highways. While many State Highways are originally State Roads, an original State Road may not be a State Highway today.

ODOT Right of Way Plans

If you have a historic ROW plans request, please refer to http://gis3.dot.state.oh.us/ohrow_viewer/ [gis3.dot.state.oh.us]. 

If you have questions on the ODOT right of way, you can contact Lucas Braun at 513-933-6598 or [email protected].

County and Township Road Right of Way Plans

Coming Soon

County and Township Road Right of Way Information

Summary of Right of Way Information on county and township roads in Greene County.

Greene County Engineer Archives publicly searchable records.

Information constantly being added.

Last updated 1/3/2023

 

Disclaimer: While every reasonable precaution has been taken in the preparation of these documents, neither the author nor the Ohio Department of Transportation, or Greene County assumes responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.  The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate. However, no guarantee is provided. Use this information while employing acceptable engineering and surveying methods along with legal practices.