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ACHD Main Line
208-387-6100

Right of Way
208-387-6226

Right of Way

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What is Right of Way?

ACHD’s right of way is the land owned and maintained by ACHD for use by the public. ACHD right of way is under the jurisdiction of the ACHD Board of Commissioners.

ACHD right of way includes all roadways in Ada County, apart from state roads, which are under the jurisdiction of the Idaho Transportation Department, and privately owned roads. ACHD’s right of way also includes most sidewalks and multi-use pathways that are adjacent to those roadways.

With a growing region, meeting the transportations needs, comprehensive plans, and Community Program requests are an integral portion of any project. Some projects will require acquiring property from owners within the project area. ACHD's Right of Way team will work with property owners to reach a fair and equitable price for property. Read information concerning the right of way acquisition process in A Guide to the Process.

License Agreement Applications
The right of way team handles applications for activities within the public road rights of way such as landscaping, fence encroachments, etc.

Roadside Memorial Policy
Memorials within the public rights of way placed in a safe and consistent manner may ease the grieving process, and when installed appropriately, can increase public awareness of the need for safety. Right of way assists and monitors these public memorials. To register a Roadside Memorial or a permanent Roadside Memorial, such as a sign, please complete the application and return it to the Ada County Highway District.

Vacation or Exchange of Public Right of Way
The District Board of Commissioners may vacate or exchange excess or unused public right of way or real property, if this is in the best interest of the District and the public. The right of way team will present the request to the Commission.

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FAQs

How do I find out if ACHD owns a specific piece of property?

Please call our Right of Way Department at 208-387-6100.
How will ACHD determine the value of my property?

ACHD hires independent certified appraisers to determine the market value of your property, which is based on comparable sale and valuation data located in the same area.
What happens to the loan on my property?

In the event you reach an agreement with ACHD for the purchase of your property, the transaction will be assigned to a title company to complete the closing process. The company will contact all parties having an interest in the property. The payment of any outstanding loans or liens will be made through a title company escrow, which is the same process for any real estate transaction.
What is ACHD's Roadside Memorial Policy?

Memorials within the public rights-of way placed in a safe and consistent manner may ease the grieving process, and when installed appropriately, can increase public awareness of the need for safety. Right-of-way assists and monitors these public memorials. To register a Roadside Memorial or a permanent Roadside Memorial, such as a sign, please complete the application and return it to the Ada County Highway District.

Learn more about the policy
What is prescriptive easement for right of way?

The public obtains an easement for public use after it has used and maintained the property for the period of five years. The easement is established by operation of law and there in no conveyance documentation necessary to establish the easement.
What will happen to my fence, trees and sprinklers?

ACHD will compensate you for any of your improvements that need to be removed within the acquisition area such as bushes, fences, sprinklers, buildings, etc.
When does ACHD begin purchasing right of way during an ACHD project?

Right of way purchases typically occurs once a project design is 99% complete. Generally, this is one year prior to construction.
Who do I contact to learn more about easements?

Please contact ACHD's Right of Way Department at 208-387-6100.
Will I have to pay closing costs?

All closing costs associated with the purchase will be paid by ACHD.

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