Johnston, IA · Polk County
Easement for Public Access and Sidewalk
This easement grants the City of Johnston perpetual rights for public access and sidewalk or trail use across described real estate, and is completed by the property owner granting those rights.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The form conveys a perpetual easement to the City of Johnston for public access and sidewalk or trail use across the property described in the document. It sets conditions for structures, obstructions, grade changes, public use, maintenance, liability, and the easement’s benefit. The grantor signs the easement, and the form provides a separate City acceptance certificate documenting council approval; the easement is not binding until the City approves and accepts it.
Who needs it
A property owner granting the City of Johnston public-access and sidewalk or trail rights across real estate needs to complete this easement.
Why it needs a notary
The form carries a grantor acknowledgment block, where the grantor personally appears before the notary and acknowledges signing the easement voluntarily.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Easement
Get the Easement for Public Access and Sidewalk form from the City of Johnston.
- 2
Fill In The Form
Complete the grantor information and provide the legal description of the easement area.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Arrange a remote session with a commissioned online notary for the grantor acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign On Video
Appear before the notary online and acknowledge signing the easement voluntarily.
- 5
Submit To The City
Return the completed document to Johnston's Community Development Department.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Johnston. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Johnston sidewalk easement?
- Fill in the grantor and property information, including the legal description. Sign before a notary, then return the completed document to Johnston's Community Development Department.
- Do I need to sign this easement in front of a notary?
- Yes. The form includes a grantor acknowledgment requiring the grantor to appear before a notary and acknowledge signing the easement voluntarily.
- Can I notarize the easement online?
- Iowa law authorizes remote online notarization by a commissioned online notary. Confirm with the city if unsure whether it will accept your remotely notarized document.
- Where do I return the signed easement?
- The form lists the Community Development Department at Johnston City Hall as the return destination. Its recorder cover sheet also provides preparer and return-document information.