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PR26-0782

Clarifying Emergency Rules for Fixing Private Roads and Alleys

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:28 AM

In one sentence

This law declares an emergency to clarify that the District government can repair certain private roads and alleys needed for city services without waiting for property owner permission.

Declares an immediate need to fix a previous law about repairing covenanted roads and alleys.
Clarifies authority for the Mayor to repair specific roadways used by District vehicles like trash trucks.
Allows repairs on private rights-of-way even if property owners do not give consent.
Enables the government to seek legal releases from neighbors before starting work.
Permits the recovery of costs from private property owners when applicable.

The District Government and its Department of Public Works
Residents in areas with unpaved or damaged alleys, such as Hillcrest and near Morris Road SE
Property owners adjacent to the covenanted roads and alleys being repaired

This resolution only declares an emergency; it does not list every specific street that will be fixed.
Permanent laws are planned for later but have not been written in this document yet.
The text mentions recovering costs from owners 'if applicable' without explaining exactly when this happens.

Plain language

Covenanted Roads and Alleys: Private paths created by a past agreement or condition of sale that allow access for neighbors but are not officially public streets.
Right-of-Way: The legal right to pass through an area, such as using an alley to reach the back of a house.

Official record

Source attached

Restoration of Covenanted Roads and Alleys by the District Government Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

Official activity