Right-of-Way Alley Abandonment Application

An abandonment relinquishes the city’s interest in all or a portion of the previously dedicated public easement or street or alley right-of-way, thereby giving a property owner more usable area. A property owner may apply to abandon easements on his/her property or right-of-way/alley adjacent to his/her property. Abandonment does not assign ownership or affect other property rights in the abandoned property, but rather releases the city’s interest in the area.  

Applicants seeking abandonment of a right-of-way or easement or must process a request with the Right-of-Way and Property Management Division.

Application Requirements

Step 1.Review Requirements

The following is required prior to issuance of an Alley Abandonment Application:

  • The application must be signed by the applicant (all property owners must sign the application) and notarized, and should include clearly legible contact information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses are needed to ensure timely processing;   
  • A sketch or description of the area sought to be abandoned must be marked “Exhibit A” and attached to the application. This sketch or description must be sufficient enough of a description for a staff review.

  • A metes and bounds legal description from a license professional surveyor (RPLS) must be provided, after City staff approval. This description of the proposed abandonment area must be from a licensed professional surveyor, signed and sealed prior to submittal to the City Council. This description will be part of the abandonment Ordinance submitted to the City Council for consideration;

  • The applicant is responsible for circulating the application to the utility companies listed on “Exhibit B” and securing the signatures of the authorized representatives prior to submitting the application to the City. Faxed or scanned signatures are acceptable;

  • After the abandonment is approved by the City staff, but the before the required public hearing, the property owner will provide a metes and bounds description. Must be signed and sealed by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). The cost of the survey will be at the expense of the property owner (applicant).

  • The property owner (applicant) is responsible for obtaining the written waiver (in letter form) from any other adjoining property owner eligible for half of the proposed abandoned property;

  • A public hearing must be held for this right of way or alley abandonment. The City will send notices to adjoining property owners within a 300-foot radius of this property for an opportunity to appear and speak at the public hearing. After the public hearing, the City Council will vote on the proposed abandonment;

  • A copy of the applicant’s recorded deed to the abutting property is needed to ensure ownership and to verify the correct name or names to be used on the actual abandonment ordinance which is to be approved by the City Council and recorded in the County Official Public Records;

  • The applicant should provide a brief description of why the abandonment is needed. What type of right of way is sought to be abandoned, street or alley, and any known current or previous uses of the right of way;

  • A copy of the applicant’s or applicants’ RECORDED DEED OR DEEDS to all abutting properties are needed to ensure ownership and to verify the correct name or names to be used on the actual abandonment ordinance which is to be approved by the City Council and recorded in the County Official Public Records

Step 2.Apply Online

You can apply online for a "Right of Way - Abandonment" through the City of Grand Prairie's Customer Self-Service portal . First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Apply Online

What next?

After the abandonment is approved by the City staff, but the before the required public hearing, the property owner will provide a metes and bounds description. As discussed in Item Number 4 above, this description must be signed and sealed by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). The cost of the survey will be at the expense of the property owner (applicant). 

Application Fees

  • Alley Abandonment Application Fee: $500 for right-of-way abandonment or $25.00 for alley way. The applicant will be charged market value for the purchase of right of way at them the item is scheduled for City Council consideration except for alley ways adjacent to residential property for which there will be a purchase price of $10.00. 
  • Application and payment are submitted through the online Self-Service portal.