Access

Emergency Response

1.1 - Emergency response times for sheriff, fire suppression, medical care, etc., cannot be guaranteed. Under some extreme conditions, you may find that emergency response is extremely slow and expensive.

Roads

1.2 - There can be problems with the legal aspects of access, especially if you gain access across property belonging to others via privately owned easements or access roads. It is wise to obtain legal advice and understood the easements that may be necessary when these types of questions arise.

1.3 - You can experience problems with the maintenance and cost of maintaining your road. Franklin County maintains 1,010 miles of roads, but many rural properties are served by privately owned access roads which are maintained by homeowners' associations, private parties, or other landowners. There are some county roads not maintained by the county year round (no grading or snow plowing) called Summer Roads. There are some public roads and right-of-way that are not maintained by anyone. Make sure you know what type of maintenance to expect and who will provide that maintenance.

1.4 - Extreme weather conditions can destroy roads. Some public and private roads may not be built to current standards and may not be sufficient to withstand the test of time.

1.5 - Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate small, narrow roads. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check out construction access.

1.6 - School buses travel only on maintained county roads designated as school bus routes by the school district. If you live on a private road, you may need to drive your children to the nearest county road or bus stop so they can get to school. Even so, buses travel on so many miles of roads that it is impossible to assign a higher priority to one school bus route than another. Be sure to check with your local school district.

1.7 - In extreme weather, even county maintained roads can become impassable. You may need at least a four wheel drive vehicle with chains for all four wheels to travel during these episodes, which could last for several days. School buses and other types of vehicles may not be able to travel during these times.

1.8 - Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy roads. Franklin County will repair and maintain county roads. Private roads, including private subdivision roads, are the responsibility of the landowners who use those roads. A dry creek bed can become a raging torrent and wash out roads, bridges, and culverts. Residents served by private roads and/or bridges have had large bills for repairs and/or reconstruction after floods.

1.9 - Unpaved roads generate dust. Franklin County does not treat roads to suppress dust. If you reside near an unpaved road, you may want to have the road treated for dust suppression by one of the contractors authorized to do road oiling by the County.

1.10 - If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Franklin County will pave it without financing by the adjoining property owners through a Road Improvement District. Check carefully with the County Public Works Department when the seller of any property indicates any unpaved roads will be paved.

1.11 - Unpaved roads are not always smooth, are often slippery when they are wet, and muddy during the spring thaw. You may experience an increase in vehicle maintenance costs when you regularly travel on rural, unpaved county roads. Also, be aware that speeds in excess of 35 mph can affect unpaved roads and cause damage to your vehicle. Potholes and washboards usually are created by traffic traveling too fast on unpaved roads.

Mail & Delivery Services

1.12 - Mail delivery may not be available to all areas of the County. Ask the postmaster to describe the system for your area.

1.13 - Newspaper delivery is not always available to rural areas. Check with the newspaper of your choice before assuming you can get delivery.

1.14 - Standard parcel and overnight package delivery can be a problem for those who live in the County. Confirm with the service providers as to your status.