Homeowner asks Kuna for signage and guidance where canal right-of-way adjoins private yards

Laurie Bremer, who recently moved to the Blue Sky Drive neighborhood, told the council during public comment that a canal and its maintenance strip run adjacent to her backyard and that property deeds appear to extend halfway into the canal area.

Bremer said she learned, after moving in, that the homeowners’ property line extends into the canal right-of-way and that this raised concerns about liability if someone were injured on that strip. She said she had contacted her insurance company, which noted the unfamiliarity of canal ownership questions because canals are uncommon in some regions, and that Bremer placed a private sign marking the area as the homeowner’s property but the sign was vandalized. She asked whether the city could post a benign sign to encourage responsible use, and also sought guidance about sidewalk maintenance obligations for weeds growing between cracks.

City staff told Bremer they would gather her contact information and follow up to walk through options and clarify which party maintains the canal bank and sidewalk. Bremer’s remarks were made during public comment; no formal action was taken.

Why it matters: Property ownership that extends into canal rights-of-way can create liability and maintenance questions for homeowners and municipalities. Bremer requested a low-cost measure — a city-posted sign and staff guidance on sidewalk-weed maintenance — to reduce confusion and potential liability.

Council staff said they would follow up with Bremer to clarify maintenance responsibilities and help locate any abandoned tools left near her property that she reported to the council.