Which rule determines public right-of-ways and the purposes for which they can be used?

• A. City or County government
• B. State government
• C. Federal government
• D. Private landowners

Answer: (A)

Public right-of-ways are determined by local government because they handle the planning, safety, and access needs within a community. City or county authorities decide where streets and sidewalks go, how wide the right-of-way should be, and what can be placed or done there—from traffic movement to utilities and drainage. They grant and regulate encroachments and easements, ensuring that the space serves public use and remains coordinated with local roads, pedestrians, and services. While state governments set broader standards and federal rules may influence nationwide programs, the actual rules for a specific public right-of-way within a town or city come from the local government. Private landowners don’t establish these public-use rules.