West Des Moines, IA

Right of Way

The public right of way is the space the City uses to provide necessary infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and utility lines.

Sidewalks and "Parking Areas"

The public right of way includes the sidewalk and the green space between the sidewalk and the street (often called the "parking area"). Because this area is reserved for underground utilities, the City strongly discourages residents from planting trees or building structures here.

• Maintenance Responsibility: While this is public land, property owners are responsible for snow removal and general maintenance of the vegetation.
• Risk of Damage: If the City or a utility company needs to dig in this area, any damage to your plantings or irrigation systems will be at your expense to repair.
• Emergency Access: Obstructions in this area can delay crews during critical repairs, such as gas leaks.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes are the only structures allowed in the parking area. For your safety and to avoid financial loss, please follow these guidelines:

• Safety (Breakaway Design): The City does not permit heavy stone or brick mailbox structures. These are dangerous in accidents and can block a driver's view of the street. For specific rules, see City Code Title 7, Chapter 10.
• Reimbursement: If a snowplow or construction crew damages your mailbox, the City will only reimburse you for the cost of a standard mailbox, regardless of how expensive yours was.

If you currently have a stone or brick mailbox, we encourage you to replace it with a standard breakaway model to reduce your personal liability.

Plantings in the Right of Way

You may plant flowers or grasses in a small area (up to 8 square feet) immediately surrounding your mailbox. Please note:

• The City will not pay to replace these plants if they are damaged during road or utility work.
• Trees: You must get approval from the City’s Urban Forestry Supervisor before planting or maintaining any tree in the public right-of-way.