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 Vermont Easement for Streets and Roads is a legal tool that grants specific rights over land for the construction, maintenance, and access to public streets and roads. This easement is crucial for ensuring the development and smooth functioning of Vermont's transportation infrastructure. It allows government entities, typically the state or local authorities, to exercise control over a designated area for constructing and maintaining roads, sidewalks, bridges, and related infrastructure. The Vermont Easement for Streets and Roads is intended to serve the public interest in ensuring safe and efficient transportation networks throughout the state. It provides government agencies with the necessary legal authority to acquire land, as well as the right to make improvements, repair existing infrastructure, widen or realign roads, and ensure sufficient right-of-way for public usage. There are various types of easements related to streets and roads in Vermont. Some primary ones include: 1. Public Easement: It grants the public the right to use and access the road or street. Public easements are typically permanent and ensure that the public can travel freely along the designated transportation routes. 2. Private Easement: This type of easement is granted to individuals for specific purposes, such as granting access to their property or to a neighboring property. Private easements may include driveway easements or pedestrian access easements. 3. Utility Easement: Utility companies may require easements to install, maintain, and access their infrastructure, such as power lines, water pipes, or sewer systems, beneath or alongside roads. 4. Conservation Easement: In some cases, easements may be used for conserving natural resources, protecting wildlife habitat, or preserving scenic views alongside roads and streets. These easements limit development and promote environmental preservation. 5. Temporary Construction Easement: During road construction projects or maintenance activities, temporary easements may be granted to gain access to adjacent privately owned land for construction purposes. Once the project is completed, these easements generally expire. These different types of easements enable the management, expansion, and maintenance of Vermont's street and road network. They are crucial in ensuring the proper functioning and connectivity of the state's transportation infrastructure while addressing the needs of various stakeholders.
