Planning and zoning staff reported that they have issued 252 compliance notices this spring for obstructions and encroachments in county rights-of-way. Photographs circulated at the meeting showed fences, walls, large rocks, landscaping, irrigation and unpermitted pole barns encroaching on county right-of-way, staff said.

Staff described a range of responses: some property owners immediately called the office and agreed to move items (trees, rocks, mailboxes) out of the right-of-way; others required follow-up inspections. Planning staff said they prefer voluntary compliance where possible and will work to set removal dates, but enforcement and red-tagging have been used in cases of unpermitted structures or lack of follow-through.

Staff emphasized safety and asset protection as the basis for enforcement: obstructions in the right-of-way can damage county equipment, impede plowing and present liability if a vehicle strikes an obstruction. Staff said they will continue inspections, provide written notices, and follow up where property owners do not act.

Why it matters: the county said clearing rights-of-way protects road maintenance operations, preserves sight lines for drivers and school buses, and reduces county liability. Commissioners thanked staff for outreach and asked that the county continue to document files and work with property owners to resolve issues within set timelines.