Utility Easements

   When Township residents plant shrubs, flowers, and split-rail fences in the front (or street) right of way, it impacts the utility easements on the remainder of the home or building lot. 

  We continue to encounter more situations where folks have planting shrubs, trees, fences, sheds, etc. within the utility easement around their property.  A utility easement is a right of way that exists solely for the purpose of maintaining, repairing, or replacing a utility located within it. That utility could be water, electric, natural gas, telephone, or cable.  But more than likely it will be sanitary sewer.  Most of the problems occur in the newer developments.  The easements should be identified in your property deed and should be pointed out by your realtor when the house or lot is purchased.  You run the risk of having to tear out those shrubs, trees, and fences if the Township or other utility company needs access to their lines.  Since the Township doesn't allow those things places there, we won't replace them.