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Dear Cholla Residents,
I have received questions and comments from several residents over the past few months regarding work by utility companies, including fiber optic providers, in residential neighborhoods within the district. Here is some helpful information directly from City Engineering staff about utility work and how best to get help with concerns.
What is the Public Right-of-Way?
The public right-of-way (ROW) is land reserved for public travel and public services. In most cases, it includes:
- Streets and roads
- Sidewalks
- Parkways or planting strips between the sidewalk and the curb
- Areas beneath and alongside roads where utilities are installed
Although the right-of-way may look like part of a private yard, it is typically owned or controlled by the city. The city manages this space so it can be used for transportation, safety, and essential services such as water, sewer, gas, electricity, telecommunications, and fiber optic infrastructure.
What is Public Utility Easement?
A public utility easement is a legal right that allows utility providers to access specific portions of private property to install, maintain, repair, or replace utility infrastructure. Easements are recorded on property deeds or subdivision plats. The property owner still owns the land, but utilities have the right to use the easement area. Easements may be located in front, side, or rear yards. Multiple utilities may share the same easement. Because easements are permanent, utility companies do not need to ask for individual permission each time work is required within the easement area.
To find out information about ROW and Public Utility Easements (PUE) near or on your property, most often you can view subdivision plats on the Maricopa County Assessor website.
- Upon visiting the website, enter your address in the search bar.
- Select the linked APN/Parcel #.
- Click on the MCR number.
- Click on your Plat.
Your subdivision plat should come up typically as a PDF file to view and show ROW and PUE areas marked in and around your property.
Why Utilities Need Access to Yards
Utilities provide essential services that residents rely on every day. To keep those services safe and reliable, utility companies must periodically access infrastructure that may be located underground or overhead. This work may include:
- Installing new utility lines (such as fiber optic cables)
- Repairing damaged or aging infrastructure
- Upgrading systems to improve reliability or capacity
- Responding to service outages or emergencies
Fiber optic companies, in particular, install underground cables that often run through utility easements or the public right-of-way. Even if a resident does not subscribe to fiber service, the infrastructure may still pass through their neighborhood to serve others.
What About My Private Property?
Utilities are limited to the area of the right-of-way or recorded easement. They are not allowed to work outside these areas without the property owner's permission. when working within an easement or the right-of-way, utilities are generally required to:
- Perform only work related to their authorized facilities
- Minimize disturbance to landscaping and property
- Restore disturbed areas after work is completed.
If damage occurs outside the easement or restoration is incomplete, residents should contact the utility company directly or report the issue to the city.
What is the City's Responsibility?
The city manages the right-of-way to ensure:
- Safe and reliable utility services
- Coordinated use of underground space
- Protection of public infrastructure
- Compliance with safety and construction standards
Questions or Concerns?
Utility companies are required as part of the permitting process to place door hangers on residential homes where work is being completed prior to construction. City Engineering Inspectors verify that door hangers are distributed before work begins. The door hanger should include contact information for the utility provider if you have questions or concerns regarding work being done. I know most recently, a lot of the questions are around fiber work being done by Wyyred. Visit their web site for construction updates and contact information about work being done.
You can also reach out to the City Right-of-Way division. Staff can help explain what work is taking place, who is responsible, and assist with concerns about the construction and restoration process. The best way to report an issue or ask a question is by using the GlendaleOne system.
- Select Service Request to start reporting an issue.
- For now, under Misc., select "damaged utility box" as the category type. GlendaleOne staff are currently working on adding a new category specific to ROW/easement questions, and I will let you know when that new category is available.
Your service request will be routed directly to the appropriate staff in Engineering to best answer your questions or work on resolution to a problem. By using the system, the issue will be well-documented with the city as well. This is the most efficient means of reporting concerns.
Understanding how the right-of-way and utility easements work helps everyone - residents, utilities, and the city - keep infrastructure functioning smoothly and safely.
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