Who owns the utility easement?
The property owner owns all of the land including the utility easements. However, utilities have a right to access that portion of land which has been designated a utility easement.
How are utility easements created?
Utility easements are usually created at the time a plat for a new development is designed. Utility easements almost always exist along streets and along rear lot lines, and sometimes exist between two lots.
Why is it important to keep easements clear?
Keeping utility easements clear helps utility companies perform routine maintenance (e.g. replace a pole), construct improvement projects (e.g. install a new sanitary sewer), and repair utility lines during emergencies (e.g. remove a tree which has fallen on a power line during a lightning storm.)
What if I build on an existing easement?
Construction is subject to Building Setback Lines, and therefore cannot be built within the easement. Setback lines are shown on your subdivision plat. Subdivision plats are available at the County’s Planning and Zoning Department.
Can I place decorative landscaping on a Utility Easement?
Most Utilities encourage decorative landscaping within the utility right-of way with the understanding that any materials placed within the boundaries of the utility easement are subject to damage and are not the responsibility of the utility owner. Any replacement cost for such damages is clearly at the discretion of the utility owner.
What about damages of my landscaping from Utility Marking for Construction?
By law, Utilities have the right to mark utility locations in a discrete, non-obtrusive manner, within the boundaries of the utility easement. The type, color and location of these markings are regulated under state law. Although utilities will usually make an effort to limit damage to landscaping, all damages to landscaping located within the boundaries of the utility easement are the responsibility of the land-owner.
Where does the County step in?
Since the easement is between a homeowner and the private utility, the County provides support through our Consumer Protection Division. We will contact Verizon if there are problems with grading and seeding and the Consumer Protection Division will intercede if the utility does not adhere to the utility easement specifications. You should call our office talk to our Utility Liaison, Linda Bufano, (703) 425-9300) who will be able to work as your advocate toward Verizon.
However, if you have concerns about what will be done on your property or worries about your sprinkler system, you need to call Ivy Smith (1-800-768-8831) prior to construction. You can also contact Verizon directly (1-888-250-9710).
Where will the Verizon boxes go?
Verizon is allowed by law to put utility boxes on property within their utility easement. They have generally been good about situating the boxes so they are on the corner lots. If you see they are installing box on your property, ask the crew for their onsite engineer and they will try to accommodate requests.
What if I don’t want Verizon?
The easement are in place to provide communities with access to underground electric, water, sewer, telephone, and cable television lines. Developers and utilities design these easements into the plats so everyone in the neighborhood will have access to these utilities.