Along public roadways is a strip of land called the right-of-way. This area is reserved for use by utility companies to install their cables, meters, poles, or pipes. The width of this right-of-way can vary significantly depending on the classification of the road and the style of development in the area. The maintenance of this area is typically the responsibility of the property owner and it must be kept accessible and free of debris or obstructions. In Gwinnett County, Water Resources employees or contractors access the right-of-way to maintain the county water and sewer systems. The water meter and fire hydrants are usually installed in the right-of-way, which should give a visual clue as to its location.
An easement is similar to a right-of-way but may cross the property at locations other than along the roadway. Easements are located along publicly owned underground pipes, utility cables, or other infrastructure. Easements can also exist along the path of surface drainage ways. Gwinnett County personnel may legally enter an easement on private property with or without prior notice for routine maintenance and construction. This includes sanitary sewer lines.
Maintenance requirements for these easements vary, but the property owner is typically restricted from planting trees or building certain types of changes within them. Easements that cross private property are generally written and recorded with the local assessor’s office, and you should be able to find documents related to any easements on your property as part of a title search. Easements are legal commitments tied directly to the property itself and are usually binding to any future owner as well.
