Reader view Servient estate rights and campaign signs

Servient estate holders in Edmonds have the authority to control campaign sign placement, indicating their stronger property rights compared to the general public. Washington State law emphasizes that rights related to servient and dominant estates must allow reasonable enjoyment for both parties. Edmonds City Code mandates that adjacent property owners maintain sidewalks and planting strips, reinforcing their responsibilities. Unopened rights-of-way, which are designated for public use but not yet developed, provide property owners with greater authority over these areas. Ken Reidy advocates for the Edmonds City Council to clarify that public use of unopened rights-of-way requires the consent of servient estate holders.

This adjustment would protect property rights and ensure that city staff cannot issue permits without property owner approval. Such a change would align city policies with established property rights. The discussion highlights the ongoing balancing act between public interests and private property rights in local governance.