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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 Oregon, public utility companies are granted utility easements to install, repair, and maintain their infrastructure on private property. These easements allow utilities to run gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, cable, and other services across land owned by others. The easements are typically established through agreements with property owners or by law, and are often recorded in the property's deed. Utility companies have the right to access the easement area for the purposes of maintaining and repairing their lines and equipment, which may include trimming or removing trees that could interfere with utility lines. Property owners cannot build structures or otherwise impede the utility's access to the easement. Oregon law requires utility companies to provide notice to property owners before conducting work on the easement, and they must repair any damage caused during their activities.

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Real property

utility easements

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Real property

utility easements

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