Right-of-Way & Corner Visibility

No one may place plants or other objects (e.g., fences, flower gardens, shrubs, trees, retaining walls, and invisible fence or lawn irrigation systems) over, under, or across the ROW without a permit from the City.  Any plants or objects within the ROW are subject to removal, trimming, or relocation as determined necessary by the City.

The City retains control of all plantings, shrubs, and trees in or overhanging all ROW. No one should plant or remove trees or other plants in the ROW, except for sod and low-lying plants 12 inches in height or less.

All work on sidewalks and driveways within City right-of-way requires a ROW permit issued by the City. This construction is the property owner's responsibility but must conform to the City's requirements. The property owner is responsible for any damage to the street or ROW.

Corner Visibility

Visibility at all street intersections is a major public safety concern. Although every intersection is different, every street corner has a designated corner visibility zone, and a few general guidelines apply to visibility zones. Existing trees, shrubs, and grasses must be maintained to provide clear lines of sight through the zone. This means plants or structures in the corner visibility zone must be lower than 30 inches and higher than eight feet above the gutter line.

To determine your corner visibility zone, start at the (extended) intersection of the two curb lines, then measure 45 feet in each direction. Mark both points, then draw a line diagonally from one point to the other. The area between the line and the street is the corner visibility zone, and a ROW permit is required for planting or building in this area. The same basic principle applies for sharp curves in the roadway.

Corner visibility violations result in written notice requesting removal of items restricting visibility. If the object(s) remain in the corner visibility zone within the time specified in the notice (not less than 10 days), the City will remove the offending objects and bill all associated costs to the responsible property owner. If the bill is not paid within 30 days of the invoice date, the unpaid costs may be assessed against the property.

Wireless Facilities

In 2018 the State of Minnesota and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed legislation allowing wireless providers to place infrastructure, such as antennas and other equipment, in City rights-of-way while limiting the City's ability to regulate placement of the equipment. The wireless infrastructure will enable technological advances such as 5G technology, and the City expects installation to begin at any time.

In response to the new regulations and impending installations, the City Council modified the City's Right-of-Way Management Ordinance to ensure wireless providers meet minimum design and aesthetic standards.

In brief, the modified ordinance allows the City to:

• require a minimum distance between equipment
• require a permit be obtained for any person wanting to locate a wireless facility in City right-of-way
• regulate equipment aesthetic standards such as the specific color, design, and material used
• require ground-mounted equipment to be concealed underground or in a closed cabinet

Questions?

For more information on wireless facilities, contact the City of Golden Valley Engineering Division at 763-593-8030.

ROW Permits

Unless otherwise provided in the City Code, no person may obstruct or excavate in the ROW without first obtaining a ROW permit from the City. Obstructions approved by permit are the responsibility of the property owner. The City reserves the right to remove any obstruction in the ROW without notice and is not liable for any damages to the obstruction at any time.

For more information on obtaining a ROW permit visit our Permits and Licenses page.