Access

Access to the rural property is not always available, and when it is available, it is not always smooth or without delay.

  • Emergency response times for the sheriff, fire suppression, medical care, etc. cannot be guaranteed. Under some extreme conditions, emergency response may be slow and expensive.Photo of flooded out dirt road
  • There can be problems with the legal aspects of access, especially if you gain access across property belonging to others via privately owned easements or access roads. It is wise to obtain legal advice when these types of questions arise.
  • You can experience problems costs associated with maintaining your road. Grant County maintains over 2,500 miles of roads, but many rural properties are served by privately-owned access roads, maintained by homeowners associations, private parties, or other landowners. Some primitive roads are not maintained by the County year-round (no grading or snow plowing), and some public roads and right-of-ways are not maintained by anyone. Make sure you know what type of maintenance to expect and who will provide the maintenance.
  • Extreme weather conditions can destroy roads. Public and private roads not built to current standards may not be able to withstand the test of time and the combination of weather and use may result in high maintenance costs.
  • Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate small, narrow roads or bridges. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check out construction access.
  • School buses travel only on maintained county roads designated as school bus routes by the school district. You may need to drive your children to the nearest County road or bus stop so they can get to school. Check with your local school district to confirm bus routes.
  • In extreme weather, even County maintained roads can become impassable. Consider that you may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to safely travel during extreme conditions. School buses may not travel at all during such times.
  • Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy roads. A dry creek bed can become a raging torrent and wash out roads, bridges, and culverts. Grant County, by law, can only repair and maintain County roads. Private roads, including private subdivision roads, are the responsibility of the landowners.
  • Unpaved roads generate dust. Grant County does not treat roads to suppress dust. If you reside near an unpaved road you may be able to obtain a permit to treat the road for dust suppression using County approved contractor at your expense. Call the County Public Works Department for information.
  • If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Grant County will pave it without financing by you and the adjoining property owners. If the seller of any property indicates unpaved roads will be paved, confirm by calling the County Public Works Department.
  • Unpaved roads are not always smooth, are often slippery and muddy when they are wet. Travel on rural unpaved roads can increase vehicle maintenance costs and even cause damage to your vehicle. Potholes and washboards usually are created by traffic traveling too fast on unpaved roads.
  • Mail delivery is only made on well-maintained County roads. Ask the postmaster to describe the system for your area.
  • Newspaper delivery is not always available to rural areas. Check with the newspaper of your choice before assuming you can get delivery.
  • Standard parcel and overnight package delivery can be a problem for those who live in the country. Confirm with the service providers as to your status.
  • Canals and Canal Operations and Maintenance Roads are not for public use or hunting access. The Irrigation Districts use these roads to maintain the irrigation system serving our farms. Keep yourself, your children, and your pets/livestock away from the canals and waste ways; they can be dangerous.