Policy: Road obstructions within county road rights-of-way represent hazards to the traveling public.

The purpose of this policy is to increase the safety of the public by identifying and systematically eliminating or reducing such hazards along county roads.

Hazards are defined as:

that are located in the right-of-way closer than 29 feet from the centerline of a County highway. County roads are periodically be reviewed to identify road hazards and to determine what needs to be done to eliminate or reduce such hazards.

1. Utility poles, etc.

Shall be one (1) foot inside the right-of-way line. For existing poles, etc. a letter shall be sent to the affected utility companies by the Engineer, acting with authority granted bye the County Commissioners, informing them of the hazard in order to remove the pole or other or relocate it to an alternate location. After a time stipulated in writing, the county forces may remove such hazards. Cost of removal may be billed to the owner responsible for the hazard.

2. Mailboxes, Fences, Boulders, etc.

A letter shall be sent to the owners of the hazards by the Engineer, with approval of the Commissioners, requesting their removal or relocation and informing the owner of the hazard and their liability.

After five days, county forces may remove such hazards. Cost of removal may be billed to the owner responsible for the hazard.

3. Trees, etc.

A letter shall be sent to the owners of such hazards by the Engineer requesting their removal or relocation and informing them of the hazard and their liability. County forces may remove the hazard if permission is granted by the owners.

4. Guardrail, Bridge rail, etc.

All such hazards that are considered non-essential or not needed shall be eliminated. Protective ends shall be installed on such hazards which cannot be eliminated.

5. Culvert headwall, etc.

Such hazards shall be eliminated, reduced, or properly protected.

For all hazards which remain along county roads, reflective posts or other reflective markings shall be installed to warn oncoming traffic of the hazard.

Trees and/or shrubs planted within the right of way should be discouraged. However, this planting is at the peril and liability of the person doing so.

For more information see:

Ohio Revised Code 5529.11, 5547.03, 5543.14, 5547.04