Nebraska § 15-701 - Streets, sidewalks, public ways; improvements; condemnation; vacating; sale, exchange, or lease of property.
Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 15-701 — Streets, sidewalks, public ways; improvements; condemnation; vacating; sale, exchange, or lease of property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-701. Streets, sidewalks, public ways; improvements; condemnation; vacating; sale, exchange, or lease of property.
The city council of a city of the primary class shall have the power by ordinance to create, open, widen, or otherwise improve, vacate, control, name, and rename any street, alley, or public way or ways, including the sidewalk space within the corporate limits of the city, except that all damages sustained by the owners of the property thereon by opening or widening shall be ascertained as provided in sections 76-704 to 76-724. Whenever any street, alley, or public way shall be vacated, such street, alley, or public way shall revert to the owners of the adjacent real estate, one-half on each side thereof, unless the city reserves title to such street, alley, or public way in the ordinance vacating such street, alley, or public way. In the event title is retained by the city, such property may be sold, conveyed, exchanged, or leased upon such terms and conditions as shall be deemed in the best interests of the city, as authorized in its home rule charter. When the city vacates all or any portion of a street, alley, or public way or ways, the city shall, within thirty days after the effective date of the vacation, file a certified copy of the vacating ordinance with the register of deeds for the county in which the vacated property is located to be indexed against all affected lots.
Primary class city council action to vacate street or alley, retain title, and later sell property will not be overturned on review unless fraud, illegality of proceedings, absence of jurisdiction, or abuse of discretion clearly shown. Cather & Sons Constr., Inc. v. City of Lincoln, 200 Neb. 510, 264 N.W.2d 413 (1978).
Special proviso in Viaduct Act was enacted in view of this and other articles. State ex rel. City of Grand Island v. Union Pacific R. R. Co., 152 Neb. 772, 42 N.W.2d 867 (1950).
Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 15-701
What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 15-701 cover?
Section 15-701 ("Streets, sidewalks, public ways; improvements; condemnation; vacating; sale, exchange, or lease of property.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nebraska § 15-701?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 15-701" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nebraska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.
How does Nebraska § 15-701 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.