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.
Maryland Utility Easements are legally established rights granted to utility companies or service providers allowing them to access private properties for the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility infrastructure. Utility easements can encompass a variety of services, including but not limited to, electricity, telecommunications, water, gas, and sewage. In Maryland, several types of utility easements exist, each serving different purposes and regulated by specific laws and regulations. Some key types of utility easements in Maryland include: 1. Electric Utility Easements: These easements are typically granted to electrical companies for the installation and maintenance of electric power lines, transformers, and related equipment. They ensure access to private properties for safe and reliable electricity supply. 2. Telecommunications Utility Easements: These easements grant telecommunication companies the right to access properties for the installation and maintenance of telephone lines, fiber-optic cables, wireless communication infrastructures, and other related equipment. These easements are crucial for maintaining adequate communication services throughout Maryland. 3. Water and Sewer Utility Easements: Water and sewer utility companies may obtain easements to ensure access for the installation and maintenance of water supply lines, sewage pipes, meters, and other infrastructure necessary for the delivery of clean water and proper wastewater management. 4. Gas Utility Easements: Gas companies secure easements to access private properties for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of gas pipelines, meters, and associated equipment, ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable gas services to residents and businesses. Maryland Utility Easements are legally binding agreements usually delineated in property deeds or separate easement documents. Property owners should be aware of these easements before purchasing or building on a property, as they may restrict certain activities in the designated easement area. Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the surfaces of easement areas, while the utility companies are accountable for maintaining their utility infrastructure. It is essential for property owners to understand the terms, limitations, and rights associated with utility easements. Before conducting any construction, modification, or landscaping activities within an easement area, property owners must seek appropriate permissions or consult with the respective utility companies for guidance to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations and avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
