Supervisors set conditions for homeowner reshaping ditch; require easement and post-inspection

The Iowa County Board discussed a landowner request to reshape a roadside ditch near a county right-of-way and clarified that the county will not perform the work but may grant a right-of-way easement and inspect the finished work.

County staff said the landowner proposed moving the ditch closer to trees on his property and using some of the excavated dirt to reduce a road slope. Supervisors and staff agreed the county would not perform additional ditch work within the roadway. If the landowner moves the ditch out of the county right-of-way and needs the county to recognize the change, an easement would be required. Staff said the county would inspect the work afterward to ensure proper drainage and would not allow property owners to connect private drainage directly to county pipes.

One board member noted the county had allowed a similar arrangement on the other side of the road in the past and suggested offering the same option, subject to easement paperwork and inspection. Staff said they would contact the landowner to describe the conditions and schedule an inspection once the reshaping is complete.

No formal vote was taken; the board’s direction was procedural and contingent on the landowner obtaining appropriate easements and performing the work at his own expense.