Some Issues to know regarding Roads & Access to Property
The fact that you can drive to your property does not necessarily guarantee that you, your guests and emergency service vehicles can achieve that same level of access at all times. Also, the fact that there is NOT a road to the property, does not mean that the property does not have access.
As a buyer you will need to consider some of the following issues:
1 - Emergency response times (Sheriff, fire suppression, medical care, etc.) cannot be guaranteed. Under some extreme conditions, you may find that emergency response is extremely slow and expensive.
2 - There can be problems with the legal aspects of access, especially if you gain access across property belonging to others. It is wise to obtain legal advice and understand the easements that may be necessary when these types of questions arise.
3 - You can experience problems with the maintenance and cost of maintenance of your road. Counties maintain thousands of miles of roads, but many rural properties are served by private and public roads which are maintained by private road associations. There are even some county roads that are not maintained by the county - no grading or snow plowing. There are even some public roads that are not maintained by anyone! Make sure you know what type of maintenance to expect and who will provide that maintenance.
4 - Extreme weather conditions can destroy roads. It is wise to determine whether or not your road was properly engineered and constructed.
5 - Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate small, narrow roads. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check out construction access.
6 - School buses travel only on maintained county roads that have been designated as school bus routes by the school district. You may need to drive your children to the nearest county road so they can get to school.
7 - In extreme weather, even county maintained roads can become impassable. You may need a four wheel drive vehicle with chains for all four wheels to travel during those episodes, which could last for several days.
8 - Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy roads. Most counties will repair and maintain county roads to the best of the County’s ability, however, subdivision roads are the responsibility of the landowners who use those roads. A dry arroyo bed can become a raging torrent and wash out roads, bridges, and culverts. Residents served by private roads and/or bridges have been hit with large bills for repairs and/or reconstruction after floods.
9 - Unpaved roads generate dust, dust is still a fact of life for most rural residents.
10 - If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that the County will pave it in the foreseeable future. Check carefully with the County Road Department when any statement is made by the seller of any property that indicates any unpaved roads will be paved or upgraded!
11 - Unpaved roads are not always smooth and are often slippery when they are wet. You will experience an increase in vehicle maintenance costs when you regularly travel on rural county roads.
12 - Mail delivery may only be available to a row of mailboxes along the nearest paved road. Ask the postmaster to describe the system for your area.
13 - 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.