Office of Right of Way

The Office of Right of Way's design section is responsible for the design of the rights of way along interstate and primary highways in Iowa.

The appraisal section is responsible for appraising property the Iowa DOT plans to purchase for highway right of way.

The acquisition unit is responsible for negotiating the purchase of the land needed for right of way along interstate and primary highways in Iowa.

The relocation unit is responsible for coordinating the relocation of property owners and their personal property from land purchased for right of way along interstate and primary highways in Iowa.

The title and closing unit of the fiscal and title section is responsible for coordinating the transfer, preparing the proper documents and sending payment for property purchased for right of way along interstate and primary highways in Iowa.

The condemnation unit of the fiscal and title section is responsible for coordinating hearings and preparing the proper documents for the property acquired under eminent domain along interstate and primary highways in Iowa.

The property management section is responsible for sales of state-owned items, leasing of state-owned real estate, assistance provided to local governments (local public agencies), and land management records.

Utility accommodation is the process that occurs when utilities are placed within the highway right of way after a highway is constructed and open to traffic.