As Riverton City continues to grow the demand for public utilities such as power, natural gas, telephone and cable services grows as well. To provide the needed space for above - and below-ground utility lines and equipment there is a public utility easement along property lines. Nearly all of the recently developed residential lots, as well as older lots, have these easements.
An "easement" is defined as" that portion of a lot or lots reserved or granted for the present of future use by a person or agency other than the legal owner or owners of said property or properties. The easement may be for use under, on, or above the surface of said lot or lots." Public utility easements are set aside specifically for use by the utility companies. The easements are put in place when marked on the official plat or map of the property. Typically, public utility easements are 5, 7.5, or 10 feet in width and may be on any or all of the property lines depending on public utility needs within the area.
The area of the public utility easement is still held in ownership as part of the lot. However, within the easement, no permanent structure can be erected, and any improvements such as landscaping may be displaced by the utility company if necessary as part of installation or servicing of utility lines. In some cases, if no utility lines or equipment are installed or planned for a particular easement, the utility companies may relinquish their rights to that easement. For this to happen, all of the utility companies must agree in writing.
The law does not require the utility companies to receive permission from the property owner before undertaking any installation or servicing of equipment within a legally established public utility easement. If you have any questions regarding the issue of public utility easements on your property, please contact the Planning Department at the City offices.
For more information contact the Planning Department at 208-3138
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- 208-3138