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Resident asks about vacating alley; county explains legal description, survey and petitioner responsibilities
Summary
A resident seeking to vacate an alley asked whether deeds from adjacent owners were required. County staff and the attorney explained that petitioners must provide a precise legal description (often produced from deeds or a survey), serve notice to neighbors and follow Indiana code; survey and attorney costs typically fall to the petitioner.
A resident asked the commissioners whether vacating an alley requires obtaining deeds from neighboring owners; county staff and the county attorney clarified the legal process and the responsibilities of petitioners.
The resident said he had a survey but questioned whether it was sufficient and asked whether the county expected deeds from other owners. The county attorney and staff explained that to vacate an alley under Indiana law petitioners must provide a legal description of the area to be vacated; that description can come from a surveyor who incorporates surrounding deeds or from recorded deeds themselves. Staff said petitioners must serve notice on neighboring property owners and gather proof of receipt (green cards) or document disputes before the county schedules a hearing. County staff cautioned that survey and attorney work are typically paid by petitioners and that the county cannot vacate an alley without an exact legal description.
Why it matters: Alley vacates transfer county right‑of‑way to private ownership or modify public access; the county must ensure legal clarity to avoid future title disputes or liability. Petitioners should expect survey work and legal steps as part of the process.
Next steps: Staff advised the resident to have the surveyor prepare a legal description or obtain deeds from the recorder's office and then file a petition with required notices and documentation; the county will schedule a hearing once the statutory requirements are met.
