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Real property

utility easements

Public utility companies (gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, cable, etc.) often have easements to place utility transmission, distribution, or power lines on private property and access them for installation, repair, and maintenance—including removing or trimming trees that might interfere with transmission or distribution power lines, for example. These easements are known as utility easements or public utility easements.

In California, public utility companies such as those providing gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, and cable services are typically granted utility easements to install, repair, and maintain their infrastructure on private property. These easements allow the utility companies legal access to a specific portion of the property for the purpose of laying transmission and distribution lines, and other necessary equipment. The easements are recorded and detailed in property deeds or as separate legal documents, which specify the rights of the utility companies, including the ability to remove or trim trees that may interfere with utility lines. Property owners are generally not allowed to build structures or plant trees within an easement area that would obstruct the utility's access or operation. The Public Utilities Code and other state regulations, along with local ordinances, govern the scope and enforcement of these utility easements in California.

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Real property

utility easements

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Real property

utility easements

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