Who owns easements and what purpose do they serve? Who can help me?

There are several types of easements, e.g.:

  • Drainage
  • Power line
  • Scenic
  • Utility pipeline
  • Wetland conservation, etc.

The easements on a typical city lot are for drainage and utilities. While the home owner owns the property, easements give certain public and private entities the right to enter the property and perform work. Wetland conservation easements are designed to ensure the area is left in an undisturbed and natural state.

All easements on your property should be shown on the lot survey or plat, or described within the title documents. It is recommended that you contact the city's Engineering Department at 651-714-3593 to review the purpose and specifics of any easements on your property prior to placing objects including trees, fences, landscaping features, play structures, etc. in your yard. Any objects placed within an easement that impede the access or intended use of that easement may be removed in the future by the city at your expense.

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1. There is a vacant property near the home I am considering purchasing. What will be there?
2. How do I know which school my children will attend?
3. There are private covenants within my development. What are these and who enforces them?
4. Will parks and trails be developed near the home I am considering purchasing?
5. Does the city provide a warranty for work done by builders and developers?
6. Who owns easements and what purpose do they serve? Who can help me?
7. Concerning property taxes, what will I be required to pay on my new home?
8. How do I know if the streets are private and what does that mean to the home owner?
9. The lot I am looking at is adjacent to a pond. Will it remain that way?
10. Once my home is built, is it safe to assume that the way the area looks today will remain that way?