California State Department of Transportation Project Development Workflow Tasks (PDWT)

TASK D316 (224.A)

Prepare Right of Way Appraisal Maps

Narrative

After receipt of geometric base maps and title reports, Right of Way Engineering prepares right of way appraisal maps for parcels required for the project. The appraisal maps are tied to surveys and Caltrans' construction station lines. The size of the required parcel take, plus the remainder of the parcel are shown, along with all topography, such as: buildings, fences, driveways, water wells, and other existing improvements that affect the appraisal value.

Initiator

• Right of Way Branch

Sub-Tasks

• Prepare appraisal maps from assessor maps, record maps, and geometric base maps.
• Review maps to ensure that all existing improvements and right of way requirements are shown.
• Send completed appraisal maps to the Project Engineer for preliminary review.

Task Duration

• 15 - 35 days

References

• Project Development Procedures Manual -- Chapter 14, Section 1, Article 4
• Right of Way Manual
• Task D296

TASK D317 (224.A)

Prepare List of Fences, Gates, and Potential Excess Land

Narrative

Appraisal maps show existing parcel improvements along with right of way requirements. Engineering details may affect the appraisal value and should be included in the appraisals.

Initiator

• Project Engineer

Sub-Tasks

• Prepare a list of engineering details that may affect the appraisal, such as types of fences, gates, and driveways. Also include any potential excess lands (be sure to identify need for contractors' yards, maintenance yards, or lease sites).
• Send the list to the Right of Way Engineering Unit. Request that they review which improvements may require cost estimates for right of way work to be included as contract items.
• Right of Way Engineering Unit notifies Project Engineer of the required contract items.

Task Duration

• 8 - 15 days

References

• Highway Design Manual -- Topic 205 and Topic 701
• Standard Plans
• Right of Way Manual
• Task D316

TASK D318 (224.A)

Obtain OPPD Approval for Exceptions to Locked Access Gates Policy

Narrative

Caltrans policy limits the use of locked access gates on freeways and expressways to Caltrans personnel. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by OPPD.

Initiator

• Project Engineer

Sub-Tasks

• Determine where locked gates will be provided within the freeway/expressway right of way.
• Determine which gates require OPPD/FHWA approval.
• Prepare justification for exceptions to the locked access gates policy.
• Send recommendations and justifications to OPPD for approval.
• OPPD will obtain FHWA approval, if required.
• Notify Right of Way Branch of OPPD's response.

Task Duration

• 8 - 20 days

References

• Project Development Procedures Manual -- Chapter 17, Article 4
• Highway Design Manual -- Index 701.2
• Task D317

TASK D319 (224.A)

Review Project with U.S. Forest Service

Narrative

Many State highway projects require negotiations with the U.S. Forest Service. Right of way for the project is granted by processing a Forest Appropriation Agreement. The right of way is not granted in fee, but easements are documented on the appropriation map.

The U.S. Forest Service was contacted during the early design phase. Now it is necessary to obtain concurrence on easement requirements. The Forest Service will be reimbursed for merchantable timber removed during construction of the project.

Initiator

• Project Engineer

Sub-Tasks

• Arrange a meeting with the U.S. Forest Service and representatives from the Right of Way Branch.
• Discuss the procedures for obtaining an easement.
• Request the Forest Service to provide a royalty estimate for the merchantable timber.

Task Duration

• 7 - 12 days

References

• Right of Way Manual
• Plans, Specifications and Estimates Guide -- Section 3-4
• Construction Manual -- Section 6-16-2

TASK D320 (224.A)

Determine Final Right of Way and Easement Requirements

Narrative

Right of Way appraisal maps are approved by the Deputy District Director for Right of Way. Before approval is obtained, appraisal maps should be reviewed to ensure that the project's right of way requirements are correct.

Initiator

• Project Engineer

Sub-Tasks

• Obtain copies of completed appraisal maps from Right of Way Engineering.
• Review appraisal maps to ensure that the project's right of way requirements are correct.
• Assess requirements for permanent or construction easements for the following:

- Drainage

- Earthwork

- Soundwalls

- Maintenance access

- Material sites

- Utilities

- Railroads

- Etc.

Task Duration

• 10 - 20 days

References

• Project Development Procedures Manual -- Chapter 14, Section 2, Article 2
• Right of Way Manual
• Tasks D317, D318, and D319

TASK D321 (224.A)

Obtain Approval of Certificate of Sufficiency for Right of Way

Narrative

At this stage, a Right of Way Certificate of Sufficiency is processed. This indicates that the Project Development Unit has determined which parcels are required.

Initiator

• Right of Way Branch

Sub-Tasks

• Request the Project Development Unit to certify sufficiency of the appraisal maps.
• Obtain the signature of the Deputy District Director for Project Development.

Task Duration

• 5 - 8 days

References

• Right of Way Manual
• Task D320

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This web site last modified August 12, 1997.