6.2.1 Preliminary ROW Research
Determining existing ROW limits, restrictions to State ownership (e.g., easements, railroad licenses, etc.), and actual property ownership is a necessary first step in the identification of property interests. Property records and other records maintained by local public entities must be researched for this information.
This preliminary ROW data can be used in refining a recommended alignment to minimize ROW impacts to properties. Schematics for public view should also show ROW data collected, such as names of property owners and approximate locations of existing ROW limits.
Property ownership information can be obtained from:
- TxDOT records (real property asset map, as-built plans);
- Tax assessor maps from city, county and appraisal district offices; and
- Deed and easement records obtained from a county clerk’s office.
Permission for ROE (see
) or other written evidence of permission must always be obtained before entering private property to determine existing property ownership.