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.
The North Carolina General Right of Way Instrument is a legal document used to grant access rights over a specific piece of land for the purpose of constructing or maintaining public infrastructure. This instrument allows government entities or other authorized parties to access private property while ensuring the landowner's rights are protected. One of the most common types of North Carolina General Right of Way Instrument is the Highway Right of Way Instrument. This instrument is typically used when constructing or expanding highways, roads, or other transportation infrastructure. It grants the state or local government the necessary rights to acquire and use the land as needed for the project, including the right to access, maintain, and improve the roadway. Another type of North Carolina General Right of Way Instrument is the Utility Right of Way Instrument. It is used when a utility company needs to install or maintain utility lines, such as power lines, water pipes, or gas pipelines, on private property. This instrument grants the utility company the right to enter the property, construct and maintain their infrastructure, and ensure uninterrupted access for necessary operations. Furthermore, there is the Railroad Right of Way Instrument, which is employed for building or expanding railroad tracks or related infrastructure. It allows the railroad company to access and use private land for laying tracks, constructing stations, or carrying out maintenance operations. Additionally, the Telecommunications Right of Way Instrument is used for granting telecommunication companies access to private property for the installation, maintenance, or upgrading of communication lines, antennas, or other related infrastructure. The North Carolina General Right of Way Instrument is a vital legal mechanism to balance the needs of public infrastructure development with the protection of private property rights. It ensures that landowners receive fair compensation and have their rights respected while allowing for the necessary development and maintenance of crucial public utilities and transportation networks.
