Right-Of-Way
The “Right-of-Way” is defined in the SMC as:
“Right-of-way” means that strip of land:
A. dedicated for public travel, including the main traveled portions of the streets and sidewalks as well as parking or planting strips, pedestrian buffer strips, and other associated areas, or over which is built, public streets, sidewalks, or alleys for public travel; or
B. used for or dedicated to utilities installation within the right-of-way.
The “right-of-way” is typically an easement over the land of the abutting property owner.
Even if there is no sidewalk there may still be a right-of-way behind your curb. The right-of-way measurement varies from street to street. Once a tree is permitted and planted in the right-of-way, it is then protected for the future by city ordinance.
