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.
Pennsylvania Easement for Access to Property is a legal right granted to individuals or entities to access a property owned by another party. It allows the easement holder to cross or use a specific portion of someone else's land for a particular purpose, such as reaching a landlocked property, maintaining infrastructure, or accessing utility services. Easements for access ensure that property owners have adequate means to enter and exit their land, even if it requires passing through another person's property. There are different types of easements for access recognized in Pennsylvania, including: 1. Public Easement for Access: This type of easement grants the public access to specific areas of private property for recreational purposes, such as walking trails, fishing spots, or public parks. The property owner still retains ownership but must allow public access. 2. Private Easement for Access: A private easement for access is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and another party or parties, typically neighboring properties. This type of easement allows specific individuals or entities to cross or use a specific portion of the land for a defined purpose. It is usually negotiated through a written legal agreement. 3. Easement by Necessity: An easement by necessity may be granted when a property is landlocked, meaning it has no direct access to a public road or thoroughfare. In such cases, the landowner may seek an easement by necessity to obtain a right-of-way over neighboring properties to access their land. 4. Right-of-Way Easement: A right-of-way easement allows one party to access a property by passing through a specific area or strip of land owned by another party. These easements are essential for utilities and infrastructure projects, such as roads, power lines, or pipelines, to cross private properties without causing major disruptions. 5. Easement by Prescription: An easement by prescription may be acquired if someone continuously and openly uses another property for a specific period without the landowner's permission. If the use occurs for the statutory period (typically 21 years in Pennsylvania), it may create a legal right for the user to continue accessing the property. It is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional to understand the specific laws and regulations surrounding easements for access in Pennsylvania.
