A public easement is an easement that gives all people (the public) the right to use and enjoy a tract of property such as a street, sidewalk, park, or beach.
In Kentucky, a public easement is a type of right-of-way that allows the general public to access and use certain property, which is often owned by a private party or a government entity. Public easements are commonly established for streets, sidewalks, parks, and beaches to ensure that the public can enjoy these spaces without interference from the property owner. The creation of public easements can occur through explicit dedication by the property owner, implied dedication through long-term public use, or through condemnation for public use under eminent domain laws. Kentucky state statutes and case law govern the establishment, scope, and enforcement of public easements. Property owners must not obstruct the easement and must allow reasonable use by the public. Disputes over public easements may be resolved in court, and the specific rights and responsibilities can vary depending on the nature of the easement and the circumstances under which it was created.