An easement gives one party the right to go onto another party's property. That property may be owned by a private person, a business entity, or a group of owners. Utilities often get easements that allow them to run pipes or phone lines beneath private property. Easements may be obtained for access to another property, called "access and egress", use of spring water, entry to make repairs on a fence or slide area, drive cattle across and other uses. The easement is a real property interest, but separate from the legal title of the owner of the underlying land.
A utility easement in Kansas refers to a legal right granted to utility companies to access and use a designated area of land for the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility infrastructure such as power lines, pipelines, sewer lines, telecommunication cables, and water mains. It allows these companies to access private or public properties to ensure the continuous provision of essential services to residents, businesses, and other establishments. In Kansas, there are different types of utility easements established to meet specific needs and requirements. These include: 1. Electric Utility Easement: This type of easement is granted to electric utility companies to facilitate the installation, repair, and maintenance of power lines and electrical equipment. It ensures the uninterrupted supply of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. 2. Gas Utility Easement: Gas utility companies are granted this easement to lay pipelines and access gas meters for monitoring and supply purposes. It enables the safe and reliable distribution of natural gas to homes, buildings, and facilities across the state. 3. Water Utility Easement: Water utility easements allow water companies to construct, upgrade, or repair water mains, storage tanks, and other essential infrastructure. This easement ensures the efficient distribution of clean and reliable water to residents and businesses. 4. Sewer Utility Easement: Sewer utility companies are granted easements to maintain sewer lines, manholes, and pumping stations. It enables the proper collection and treatment of wastewater, helping to protect public health and the environment. 5. Telecommunication Utility Easement: This type of easement grants telecommunication companies the right to install and maintain communication cables and related equipment. It facilitates the provision of telephone, internet, and cable television services throughout Kansas. It is important to note that while utility easements provide necessary access for utility companies, they do not transfer ownership of the land. Property owners still retain the majority of rights to their property, but must ensure that they do not obstruct access to the easement area.
