This is an introduction into the law governing how municipal streets are created and closed, and a multitude of other issues that arise over the use of those streets.

• What are municipal streets?
• What are the ways municipal streets are created?
• Is a municipal street that has been platted but never constructed still a street?
• What does a municipality “own” when a street is created?
• What is the difference between a municipality’s governmental powers and its proprietary powers over its streets, and why does it matter?
• Are municipalities liable for their dangerous and defective streets?
• What right do utilities have to put their pipes, wire, and other utility infrastructure in the streets, and what happens to such rights when streets are closed?
• Are utilities required to obtain a franchise from the municipality as a condition of their use of municipal streets?
• Under what conditions can utilities be made to remove their facilities from municipal streets and who pays for the utility relocation?
• How is the width of municipal streets determined?
• How do municipalities close streets?
• How much discretion do municipalities have in closing streets?
• Must municipalities give notice to other governmental agencies or property owners that they intend to close a street?
• Who owns municipal streets after they are closed?
• What right do abutting and other property owners have to use closed streets