Easements

Most properties in the city have easements that provide access to the City and utility companies for infrastructure improvements and maintenance. Typically, these easements are dedicated as drainage and utility easements on the front, back and sides of the lot. Property owners can check the Certificate of Survey, Abstract, or Deed for their property for easement and property line information.

No construction or landscaping that will change or alter drainage patterns in a drainage way, swale, ditch or other method of storm water conveyance is allowed within the easement.  If, for any reason, the City or other authorized agency needs to perform work in an easement, the property owner shall remove, at their expense, any structure or landscaping located within the easement within seven days of being notified. Any expenses or damages arising from the construction or subsequent removal and replacement of the structure or landscaping within the easement is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Issuance of a building permit for construction inside an easement does not absolve the property owner of the above responsibilities and shall not be construed as an approval to violate any codes or ordinances of this or any other jurisdiction.  The City or any other authorized agency shall not be liable for repair or replacement of any structure or landscaping in the event it is moved, damaged or destroyed by virtue of the lawful use of the easement.  Generally, fences are allowed to be placed within drainage and utility easements, with the understanding that should the City of Sauk Rapids need to do work or gain access via an easement, the fence can be removed at the owner's expense.

To ensure safe driving conditions, all property owners are reminded that at no time should snow be blown or pushed into streets from private property or easements. This is true even if snow was thrown onto private property or easements by snow plow crews clearing the roads.