Statement Regarding Small Cell Tower Construction Within the City of Fort Waynecell tower

 

The City of Fort Wayne is taking applications for new or replacement utility or small cell tower poles. Any above ground utility pole, node, support structure, line, or overhead structure shall not be placed unless first a review application is provided to the Right of Way Department. Review applications may be obtained from the Right of Way Permitting Department or through the link below and submitted to the Right of Way Department for review.

Pole/tower applications will be reviewed by a committee of members representing various departments within the City of Fort Wayne. Applications will be reviewed for completeness, impact to existing underground and above ground utilities, review of historic or protected districts, local zoning compliance, aesthetic comparison with surrounding structures and statements regarding co-location and feasibility of design and location selections.  The city strives to maintain a level of consistency with design and placement on behalf of the businesses, residents and local corridor groups.

 

Utility Tower Ordinance  **Parts of the Ordinance have been negated due to HB 1050 **

Installation Guidelines

Design Guidelines 2023

Lighting Standards 

Application Process

Above Ground Utility Pole Application

Application To Install Pole Line (Submit AFTER  Application is reviewed and approved)

Section 106 Review Notice

 

Below is a link to a GIS map that shows the locations of pending and current small cell towers (SCTs) in the City of Fort Wayne that provide 4G or 5G service through Verizon Wireless.

Be advised that the information provided comes from multiple sources which may, in part, not be current or entirely accurate. Users should verify information for accuracy before making project commitments by contacting the Right of Way Department.

 

GIS Dashboard Map

 

 

2022 Cell Tower Applications -  Last Updated April 2023

2023 Cell Tower Applications - Last Updated April 2023

 The following link can be used to help determine area Zoning for proposed locations.

http://www.acimap.us/dps.html

 

 

 

Right of Way Department
Citizens Square
200 East Berry Street, Suite 210
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-427-6155  or  260-427-2127

NamePositionPhoneFax
Nick Jarrell Right of Way Manager (260) 427-2721 (260 )427-1269
Right-Of-Way Permit Office   (260) 427-6155 (260 )427-1269
Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service   1-(800) 382-5544  
Underground Plant Protection Service (Outside IN)   1-(800) 382-5544  

WHAT WE DO

This department includes the Right-of-Way Permit Office, where barricade and other construction-related permits are obtained for using or building in City-owned right-of-way property.


   Informational video (avove)best viewed in Chrome


FOR SIDEWALKS, ALLEYS & STREET LIGHTS

Sidewalk1 before    Sidewalk1 after

Before                                   After

The 50/50 Barrett Law Cost Share Program for Concrete Repair

(Sidewalks, Yard-walks, Curbs, & Drive Approaches)

The City of Fort Wayne Cost Sharing program for concrete repair is a great option for homeowner(s) seeking to partner with the City in having improvements made in their neighborhood. Under this program, the City and the petitioning homeowner (or homeowners) will pay 50 percent of the cost of the repairs.

Important Information before filling out a petition:

  • All homeowner(s) of the property must sign the petition for an individual petition. For a block petition, 51% of affected homeowner(s) need to sign it.
  • This program applies for replacing concrete that is in the right of way, not concrete on private property. Sidewalks, yard-walks, residential drive approaches, and curbing are eligible for replacement. See the diagram below for a visual reference.
  • Trees that are planted in the park strip that are disturbing the concrete will be removed at no cost to the homeowner as part of this program. The trees are removed for the following reasons:
    • The roots may continue to lift or crack the newly poured concrete, creating trip hazards
    • Large roots may be cut during construction, which can make the tree unstable
    • The Parks Department does have a “Citizen Match Tree Planting Program”, should you wish to have a new tree planted after construction.
  • This Barrett Law Cost Share program only applies to residential properties. For businesses wishing to replace concrete in the right of way, please contact the Right of Way office for more information about our Miscellaneous Package 50/50 Cost Sharing.
  • Filling out a petition does not bind the homeowner to participating in the program nor does it guarantee that they are on the construction list. Only by signing a Construction Agreement (see Step 5) and returning it to the City before funds are allocated, will the property be slated for construction that year.

right of way

        

Step 1 -- Decide if you want to fix concrete at an individual property or for an entire block.

Step 2 -- Go to the City of Fort Wayne website to fill out the appropriate petition – 

Individual property petition (e-form)

Individual property petition (downloadable pdf)

block/multiple properties petition (downloadable pdf)

 

Step 3 -- Submit the petition to the Board of Public Works - Right of Way Department for further processing.

The e-form will automatically send the information to a Right of Way Program Manager. If you are mailing in your petition, please mail it to:

Right of Way Department

Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 210

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

*Note: Construction takes place in the summer months, if a petition is submitted in the summer, fall, or winter, it will most likely be on the list for next year’s estimation. If you are not sure, please contact the Right of Way office at 260-427-6155.

Step 4 -- The Right of Way Department will provide an estimate and by mutual agreement, the City will pay for 50 percent of the cost of the repair work and you will pay 50 percent for the cost of the work. You may notice pink paint marks near the area to be replaced, which indicates the estimate has been made.

     In general, sidewalk repairs may cost approximately $550-600 per sidewalk slab (usually 5’x5’). In this case, the cost to the homeowner         would be $275-300 per slab.

     Curb costs $145 - $160 per linear foot. The cost to the homeowner would be $73 - $80 per linear feet.


Step 5 -- A Construction Agreement (CA) will be mailed to the homeowner(s) in the spring. If you agree to the terms indicating the amount of concrete being replaced and the 50/50 cost, please sign it and return it to the ROW office.

Step 6 -- Funds are limited, so it is a first-come-first serve basis.

If the CA is returned on time to get in the current year’s program, the house will be added to the construction list. Those who do not get to participate in the current year will have their information carried over to next year. An updated CA will be sent the next calendar year with updated pricing.

Step 7 -- Construction typically takes place in the summer/early fall months. The contractor will perform all necessary work and will restore any disturbed lawn with soil and grass seed. After that point, it is the responsibility of the homeowner(s) to maintain the concrete and grass. Should the concrete crack or fail due to no fault of the homeowner(s), the City will assess it and fix what is needed.

Step 8 -- The bill will be delivered by mail before the end of the year. Please see the section below for more details.

 

Financing Information

Assessments will be performed after construction is complete. The assessment will show as a lien against the property until the assessment is paid in full. Liens stay with the property. The assessment is to be paid in full at closing if the property transfers ownership. The lien is removed from the property once the total assessment is paid in full.

The City offers a low-interest loan to assist property owners in financing their portion of the repair. Payments can be made in full one time or homeowner(s) can take advantage of our low-interest loans (3%). Payments can be made over the course of 10 years on an annual or monthly basis.

The bill will be sent by mail after construction is complete. It will not exceed the amount stated on the Construction Agreement that was signed before construction began.

For further information about the Barrett Law Loan / Billing process, please call 260-427-5805.

Below are examples of what payments might be, if financed through this program.

 

General Construction Information

  • If your property is on the list for construction, a flyer with further information about what to expect will be mailed to you. There will also be contact information for the Right of Way personnel to get in touch with if you have questions or concerns.
  • The City utilize their own contractor for the work. They will be responsible for all the repairs and restoration.
  • The exact timeline for construction is flexible. The easiest way to know if construction is coming soon is if there are different colored paint markings in the right of way to mark utilities. The limits of the work will be indicated with pink arrows.
  • If you have any sprinkler heads, invisible wire fences, private fences, etc. within the work area, you are to remove them or let it be known. The contractor will not replace them if they are broken
  • If the property had new curbs and the street was cut, the contractor will patch it with asphalt or concrete to match the existing street.

 

Loan of $500    

Loan of $1,000

Loan of $2,000

Loan of $3,000

 

To share information about the 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program with your friends and neighbors, have them go to www.cityoffortwayne.org/costshare or download a  2-sided flyer here

 

Frequently Asked 50/50 Cost Share Questions & Answers

Can anyone participate in the cost sharing program?

The improvement property must be within Fort Wayne city limits.

Who has to sign the petition?

If it’s an individual petition, it must be signed by only the owner(s) of the property, as listed on the title. Property owners wishing to have an entire block funded through Barrett Law must sign a petition which includes signatures from all of those participating in the project. All block petitions except for street light petitions must have at least 51% of affected property owners. Street light petitions must have at least 60% affected property owners per IC 36-9-9-3. The petitioners agree to pay a portion of the project cost. Property Owners are notified by mail of Preliminary and Final Hearings for the project. At these hearings, residents have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns or express support for the project.

Can a renter of an improvement property file a Petition to take part in the cost share program?

A renter can inquire about the cost share program but they cannot file a petition.  The property owners reflected on the deed of the property must complete the Petition and sign a Construction Agreement in order for work to be completed at the rental property. 

How much will my new sidewalk cost?

Sidewalk repair costs are calculated per sidewalk slab/square (usually 5’x5’). Please contact the Right of Way office for the most current concrete cost estimates.

Can I hire my own contractor to repair my sidewalk and get reimbursed by the city for the work?

No, the City will bid the project, hire the contractor and oversee construction of all Cost Share projects. Should you choose to hire your own contractor, you will be solely responsible for paying for the work performed.

Will the City fix my driveway as part of the cost share?

No, the City will not replace an entire driveway. The City will cost share the driveway approach, if the walk behind the drive approach and the approach are both in poor condition.

How long will I have to wait for my repairs?

Projects are planned a year in advance; property owners are encouraged to call any time to check on the status of their petition.

If signed up to make payments monthly for 10 years, can I change my payments to annually?

No, once a waiver is signed, notarized and returned, the payment schedule must stay the same for the remainder of the loan. If property owners want to pay off the loan early, they may do so, but will have to pay 20 percent of the interest.

When are payments due for assessments or installments?

Property Owners have thirty (30) days from the Final Hearing date to choose if they want to take advantage of the Barrett Law Loan Program, seek a private loan from a financial institution or pay the full amount due by the due date on the Notice of Assessment.  The assessment is not added to the improvement properties City Utilities bill and will be billed separately by the City of Fort Wayne Barrett Law department. 30 days from the final hearing the Board of Public Works must have either payment in full or a returned, signed and notarized waiver from those stating which payment option they have selected.  Property owners with an assessment over $100 may elect to pay the assessment in monthly or annual installments with interest for a period of time based on the total assessment amount.

  • 10 Year Installments for Final Assessments over $100
  • 20 Year Installments for Final Assessments over $5,000
  • 30 Year Installments for Final Assessments at or above $15,000

First installments are always due on May 10th or November 10th, depending on when the Board of Public Works approves assessments.

  • Projects passed January 1st through June 30th will have first installments due November 10th of the calendar year.
  • Projects passed July 1st through December 31st will have first installments due May 10th of the calendar year.

Where can I make a payment on the assessment or installment loan?

Payments options available include the following:

  • Payment by mail with a check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to City of Fort Wayne Barrett Law.  Mail payments to City of Fort Wayne – Barrett Law, 200 E. Berry Street, Suite 210, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Check, cashier’s check, money order or cash may be brought to the address above.

Who do I call for more information?

For more information on the Cost Sharing Program, please contact:

  • Construction related questions - please call (260) 427-2127
  • Finance related questions - please call (260) 427-5805

What happens if I sell my house?

The assessment is a lien against the parcel of real property and must be paid in full at closing if the property transfers ownership. 

 

Still have questions? Please contact us at 260-427-6155.

Additional Cost Sharing Improvement Programs

The City also has cost sharing programs for Alley Improvements and Street Lighting Improvements.

The 50/50 Cost Share Program for Alleys

STEP 1 -- If you are interested in having an alley repaired, please fill out an Alley Reconstruction Petition

STEP 2 -- Submit the petition to the Board of Public Works Office for further processing. The office is located in Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 210.

FPAlley before    FPAlley after

Before                                                   After

Payments can be made in full one time or homeowners can take advantage of our low-interest loans (3%). Payments can be made over the course of 10 years on an annual or monthly basis. Below are examples of what payments might be, if financed through this program:

For more information on the Cost Sharing Program, call 311.

The 50/50 Cost Share Program for Additional Standard Residential Street Lights

STEP 1 --If you are interested in having street light installed, please fill out a Street Light Petition

STEP 2 -- Submit the petition to the Board of Public Works Office for further processing. The office is located in Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 210.

Payments can be made in full one time or homeowners can take advantage of our low-interest loans (3%). Payments can be made over the course of 10 years on an annual or monthly basis.

For more information on the Cost Sharing Program, call 311.

Street Light Cost Share 

       Standard Residential Street Lighting

 

 

FWPW PublicWorks RBG Seal


Right of Way Department


The Right-of-Way (ROW) Department falls under the authority and jurisdiction of the Divison of Public Works.

The City of Fort Wayne Right-of-Way Department is committed to providing efficient, superior service, at the lowest possible cost to our fellow neighbors.

The department is comprised of the permit office which is responsible for the processing and issuance of over 3,000 permit applications annually, as well as the ROW Enforcement Inspectors who address neighborhood right-of-way concerns to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike.

The office issues permits for construction activity (such as new and/or reconstruction of sidewalks, drive approaches and parking lots) that will occur in the right-of-way as well as providing approval for block parties, parades and events that will take place on City property.

In general, all departmental expenses are off-set by permit revenues.


Click the link below to access the online permit portal:
Citizen Access Portal
To contact the office directly please call: 260-427-6155

  

Objectives
  • Ensure all excavations in the rights-of-way are properly restored in order to minimize damage to public property.
  • Ensure all non-City funded construction occurring in the rights-of-way adheres to City Design Standards through our permit process, inspections and enforcement efforts.
  • Review & analyze infrastructure placement requests in order to optimize facilities placement while minimizing infrastructure conflicts within the rights-of-way.
  • Investigate and approve Encroachment Agreements. 
  • Click here for an outline of the process for Encroachment Agreements.
  • Click here for the application.  Encroachment Application
  • Respond to a variety of neighborhood concerns that in some fashion relates to the public rights-of-way.
  • Respond to and resolve all citizens' complaints falling within our jurisdiction through appropriate enforcement of City ordinances.
  • Review & analyze all Cell & Utility Tower requests and placement.

 

Additional Links
  •  Contact Us:

    General right-of-way or permit inquiries: 260-427-6155

    Questions regarding a violation letter? 260-427-2721

    Contact us by e-mailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     Visit us in person:

    Right of Way Department
    Citizens Square
    200 E Berry Street, Suite 210
    Fort Wayne, IN 46802