# How to Generate Right-of-Way
Right-of-way marks the boundary between your private property and the publicly maintained road area — many cities want this shown on a site plan alongside your setbacks.
Quick Answer
Pick your front property line — the one facing the road — then click Generate ROW. It defaults to 50 feet, adjustable to match the real edge of the road in your aerial image.
Step-by-Step
1. Pick your front line. Same line you'd use for front setbacks — the one facing the road. If it's not clearly visible, draw the road manually first.
2. Click Generate ROW. This defaults to 50 feet, a common right-of-way width across many U.S. cities.
3. Compare against the aerial image. Look at where the actual paved edge of the road sits — asphalt, blacktop, or pavement.
4. Adjust the interval if needed. Change it from 50 to 40, 30, or whatever value actually matches what you see.
5. Confirm the label. Once generated, your ROW line displays with a distance label — for example, "ROW 50 ft."
When to Use This
Any project where your city's site plan checklist requires right-of-way shown — common for driveway permits, projects near the front of the property, or any submission where the reviewer needs to see where public and private land meet.
Common Mistakes
Assuming 50 feet is correct without checking. It's common, but far from universal — always verify against the visible road edge.
Picking the wrong front line — this has to be the line actually facing the road, not just the front-facing side of your house.
FAQ
Why does ROW default to 50 feet?
It's a common right-of-way width in many U.S. cities, used as a practical starting point — not a guarantee it matches your specific street.
How do I know if my ROW value is right?
Compare the generated line against the actual paved road edge in your aerial image and adjust until they align.
Do I need ROW for every project?
Not always — check your specific city's site plan checklist. It's most commonly required for driveway work and front-of-property projects.
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