Johnston, IA · Polk County
Public Access and Trail Easement
This easement grants the City of Johnston perpetual rights for public access and trail use across described real estate, and is signed by the property grantor.
- 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 document conveys a perpetual easement to the City of Johnston for pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle access, trail use, and city maintenance activities on the described property. The grantor agrees to restrictions on structures, obstructions, and grade changes, and remains responsible for easement-area maintenance. The city’s acceptance section records approval by City Council; the document is prepared for recording and should be completed when granting these rights to the city.
Who needs it
A property owner or authorized grantor conveying public access and trail rights over real estate to the City of Johnston needs this easement.
Why it needs a notary
The form has a State of Iowa, County of Polk jurat stating the grantor personally appeared and acknowledged the instrument as a voluntary act and deed.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Easement
Download the Public Access and Trail Easement and its recorder’s cover sheet.
- 2
Fill In the Document
Enter the grantor, grantee, legal description, and other requested details. Leave signature and notary sections for signing.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote session with a commissioned online notary and have the document ready.
- 4
Sign on Video
Appear by video and sign the grantor section when directed by the notary.
- 5
Submit to the City
Arrange for city acceptance and submit the completed easement for recording, following the city’s instructions.
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 trail easement?
- Complete the grantor and legal description information, sign before a notary, and arrange for the City of Johnston’s acceptance. Submit the completed document for recording.
- Do I need to sign before a notary?
- Yes. The form includes an Iowa jurat for the grantor’s personal appearance and signature acknowledgment. Do not sign the grantor section until you are with the notary.
- Can I use a commissioned online notary?
- Iowa authorizes remote online notarization by its notaries under Iowa Code §9B.14A, and Iowa Code §9B.11 recognizes notarial acts by authorized officers of another state. Confirm the city will accept your notarized document.
- Where do I submit the completed easement?
- The cover sheet names Johnston’s Community Development Department as the return recipient. The form is prepared for recording; recording may be handled by e-recording where the county supports it, often through a title company.
- Who signs the city acceptance section?
- The form’s acceptance certificate is completed by the City Clerk and certifies City Council approval by resolution. Contact the city about completing that section; confirm with the city if unsure.