Understanding Easements: What Utah Property Owners Need to Know

Navigating property ownership in Utah often uncovers hidden complexities beneath the surface—literally. One of the most common yet misunderstood aspects of land rights is the easement. At Aegis Land Surveying, with more than 25 years of boots-on-the-ground experience across the state, we've helped countless clients clarify easement boundaries, avoid disputes, and protect their investments. Whether you're buying a home in Provo, developing land in Lehi, or managing a ranch near Vernal, understanding easements is essential to safeguarding your property rights.

What Exactly Is an Easement?

An easement is a legal right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose—without owning it. Think of it as a shared pathway through private property. Easements don't transfer ownership; they grant limited access or use, and they're typically recorded in public land records tied to the property deed. There are several types of easements you might encounter in Utah:

• Utility Easements: Reserved for power lines, water pipes, sewer systems, or telecommunications. These are often along the front or rear of residential lots.

• Access Easements: Also called right-of-way easements, these allow passage over one property to reach another—common in rural areas or landlocked parcels.

• Drainage Easements: Ensure proper water flow, preventing flooding by directing runoff across neighboring land.

• Conservation Easements: Voluntary agreements that limit development to preserve natural habitats, often used in scenic areas like the Wasatch Front.

How Easements Impact Your Property

Easements can affect everything from where you build a fence to how you landscape your yard. For example:

• You cannot block a utility easement with permanent structures—doing so could lead to forced removal at your expense.

• An access easement might mean a neighbor has legal rights to cross your driveway, even if it's inconvenient.

• During home sales, undisclosed or poorly defined easements can delay closings or reduce property value.

  
  

We recently worked with a client in Herriman who discovered a 10-foot utility easement running diagonally through their backyard—unseen on older plats but clear in updated county records. Our boundary survey and easement mapping gave them the documentation needed to adjust their pool plans and avoid costly legal battles.

How Aegis Helps Resolve Easement Issues

Accurate surveying is the foundation of easement clarity. Here's how we assist:

1. Record Research: We dig into county archives, historical plats, and title reports to locate all recorded easements.

2. Field Verification: Using GPS and robotic total stations, we mark physical easement boundaries with stakes or monuments.

3. Easement Exhibits: We create detailed, court-admissible maps showing exact locations—critical for real estate transactions or disputes.

4. Consultation: We explain implications in plain language and coordinate with title companies, attorneys, and local municipalities.

Pro Tips for Utah Property Owners

• Review Your Title Report: Easements are listed here—never skip this step when buying.

• Order a Professional Survey: Especially for undeveloped land or before major improvements.

• Check with Local Utilities: Confirm active easements before digging (call 811—it’s the law).

• Document Everything: If granting a new easement, have it surveyed and recorded properly.

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Final Thoughts: Protect Your Boundaries

Easements don't have to be a headache—they just need to be understood. At Aegis Land Surveying, we believe knowledge is the best defense against property disputes. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or investor, let our expertise bring clarity to your land.

Planning a project in Utah? Contact Aegis Land Surveying today for a comprehensive boundary and easement analysis. We’ll help you build—confidently—on solid ground.