Easement Plats and Right of Way Plats

What are Easement Plats and Right of Way Plats?

Easement plats and right of way plats are specialized surveys that document specific areas of land designated for use by individuals, private utility companies, public agencies, or municipalities. An easement grants permission for specific land use or access, while a right of way provides legal passage through a property, often used for utilities, transportation routes, or other public infrastructure. Right-of-way dedications often include the transfer of land as well as maintenance responsibilities.

Why Do You Need Easement and Right of Way Plats?

Easement plats are commonly needed when property owners or utility providers require access across another parcel of land. These plats define and document rights for specific uses such as utility corridors, driveways, drainage access, or private pathways. They help clarify land use rights and prevent future disputes between neighboring property owners.

Right of way plats, on the other hand, are typically prepared when public agencies or developers are acquiring land for public infrastructure projects. These plats establish boundaries for new or expanded public roads, sidewalks, and utility corridors, and are often used in conjunction with land development or road widening projects. Right of way plats ensure that acquisitions are properly documented and that development complies with regulatory requirements.