Public right of way — or land designated for public use — usually extends 10-15 feet beyond the curb or edge of a street, sometimes into the front yard of a property owner.

Easement rights allow the City to legally use the right of way for public purposes.

The public right of way can be used for:

• Roadways
• Sidewalks and trails
• Utility infrastructure (such as water pipes, sewer lines, streetlights, natural gas and electricity, and telecommunications)
• Green space

Eden Prairie City Code and Minnesota state law further define public right-of-way parameters.

Drainage and Utility Easements

A drainage and utility easement is a designated area beyond the public right of way on private property, which allows the City to install, maintain and access drainage systems and utilities.

Drainage easements are used to manage water flow and prevent flooding, and often feature ditches, swales or stormwater pipes.

Utility easements are reserved for the infrastructure of essential utilities like water, sewer, electricity, natural gas and telecommunications.

Property owners are not allowed to build or significantly alter land within these easements.

Call Before You Dig

If you’re planning to dig anywhere on your property, call 811 or contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request utility location at least 48 hours in advance.

Contacting GSOC helps you and your loved ones dig safely while avoiding costly damage to underground utilities.