Encroachments
Public Easement Encroachment
Starting May 2, 2022, new processes will be in place for encroachment requests in a public easement. For additional information on public easements or to know if your property has a public easement, visit the Public Easements page.
Public Easement Encroachment Request
For City review and consideration of an encroachment in a public easement a request must be submitted. If consideration is approved an encroachment permit will be issued to the applicant.
Public Right-of-Way Encroachment Request
For City review and consideration of an encroachment in a public right-of-way a request must be submitted. If consideration is approved an agreement between the City and property owner will be submitted to City Council for approval.
NOTICE: Encroachment Requests Move Online
The City of Cedar Rapids has moved to an online Encroachment System beginning May 2, 2022. Customers are required to create a free account online with the City in order to submit a request. The goal is to increase transparency between the City and its customers, as well as increase efficiency in the process.
GETTING STARTED
- Step 1: Visit my.cedar-rapids.org/Account/Login and click “Sign Up” to create an account
Once you’ve created an account, follow these simple steps to apply for a permit.
- Step 1: Login at my.cedar-rapids.org/Account/Login
- Step 2: Click on the Right-of-Way PERMIT icon
- Step 3: Click on the Encroachment Request icon
- Step 4: Follow the system prompts!
Encroachment Fees
- Application (Temporary) $100
- Application (Easement) $250
- Application (Right-of-Way) $500
- Closing Cost $100
- Recording Cost $50
- Agreement Renewal or Transfer of Ownership $100
Questions?
For questions about encroaching onto the right-of-way or a public easement, please email rightofwaypermit@cedar-rapids.org.
Definitions:
"Encroachment" means an intrusion or infringement upon or onto City property. Setting or placing anything in the public right-of-way or an easement, whether it be temporary or fixed in nature is an encroachment.
"Temporary Encroachment" means an encroachment that expires after 1 year
"Right-of-way" means the surface and space above and below any public street, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, lane, alley, court, sidewalk, parkway, tunnel, viaduct, or bridge which has been officially dedicated for public travel and which has traditionally been used for the provision of utility services to the public, in which the city has an interest in law or in equity, whether held in fee or other estate or interest, or as a trustee for the public; provided, however, that skywalks, sidewalks within public cemeteries, and sidewalks and trails within public parks and on river levees shall not be considered right-of-way available for private or commercial use.
"Easement" means an easement is a nonpossessory right to use and/or enter onto the real property of another without possessing it. Unless an easement states “private” in the final plat or other agreement, an easement is assumed to be public and is owned and controlled by the City.
