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 New Jersey is a legal right granted by a property owner to utility companies or government entities, allowing them access to a specific portion of the property for the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility infrastructure. These easements ensure the provision of essential services such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, telecommunications, and cable systems to residents and businesses. Utility easements in New Jersey can be classified into several types, including: 1. Electric Utility Easement: This type of easement grants access to electric utility companies for the installation, maintenance, and repair of power lines, transformers, and related equipment. 2. Gas Utility Easement: Gas utility easements provide access to natural gas companies for the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas pipelines, meters, and associated facilities. 3. Water Utility Easement: Water utility easements allow water companies or municipal entities to access the property for the installation, repair, and maintenance of water pipelines, valves, meters, and infrastructure related to the water supply system. 4. Sewer Utility Easement: Sewer utility easements permit sewer service providers or municipalities to access the property for the installation, maintenance, and repair of sewer lines, manholes, lift stations, and other infrastructure associated with the sewer system. 5. Telecommunications Utility Easement: Telecommunications companies have the right to access the property for the installation, maintenance, and repair of communication cables, conduits, and equipment required for telecommunication services such as telephone, internet, and cable television. 6. Stormwater Utility Easement: Stormwater utility easements allow stormwater management entities or municipalities to access the property for the installation, maintenance, and repair of stormwater management systems, including drainage pipes, catch basins, retention/detention ponds, and other related infrastructure. It is important to note that utility easements are typically perpetual and transferable, meaning they remain in effect even if the property changes ownership. Property owners must adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the easement and should not obstruct or interfere with the utility company's access to the designated area. It is advisable to consult legal professionals or surveyors to understand the specific details and implications of an easement on a property in New Jersey.
