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1. What Are Unopened Streets Or Alleys?

 The City Council has approved an unopened street & alley policy to provide guidance to the public.

An opened street or alley is a public right-of-way improved for "Public Use" by the general public to accommodate vehicle access on a regular, continuous basis as defined by the City. "Public Use" means the street or alley is available to the general public as distinguished from a particular individual or group of individuals. Public Use rights-of-way are available for vehicular use and travel by the general public.   

A unopened street or alley is a public right-of-way that is not improved by the City or to City standards or otherwise intended for use "Regular Use" by the general public and has not been opened by the City for "Public Use" for vehicle access. Unopened Streets or Alleys may be accessed occasionally for non-regular use. "Regular Use" is defined as use of the unopened street or alley that results in a detectable altered condition of the street or alley. Altered conditions include, but may not be limited to, leaving ruts, furrows, channels or potholes or use that prohibits healthy turf maintenance. 

The City has created a map of open and unopened streets and alleys. The map may not reflect precise existing conditions which may have changed since the map was created. 

2. Can I Use An Unopened Street Or Alley?

Very occasional use of an unopened street or alley is allowed. If your use of an unopened street or alley results in a detectable altered condition such as leaving ruts, furrows, channels or potholes or use that prohibits healthy turf maintenance, then a violation of the City policy has occurred and you will be required to restore the unopened street or alley to pre-use condition. 

3. Can I Access A Garage From An Unopened Street or Alley?

Typically no, access to garages must be from an opened street or alley. Unopened streets or alleys can only be used on a very occasional basis under City policy.

4. Can I Put Something In An Unopened Street Or Alley?

Typically no, City policy restricts placement of items, structures, etc.  in unopened streets or alleys.

5. Who Is Responsible For Maintaining Turf In Unopened Street Or Alley?

Typically adjacent property owners are to maintain turf in an unopened street or alley.

6. Can Unopened Streets Or Alleys Be Opened Upon Request?

Yes, if adjacent property owners petition the City to improve the unopened street or alley to municipal standards and pay for the cost of improvement, then the unopened street or alley can be opened.