Easement in gross
An easement held by a person or company rather than by a neighboring parcel.
Utility easements are the most common easement in gross. The electric, gas, water, or telecom provider holds the right directly, and there is no benefited parcel next door.
Commercial easements in gross are usually transferable, so a utility that merges or sells its network passes the right along with it.
Why it matters when you buy
Utility easements frequently run the full length of a side or rear yard and typically prohibit permanent structures inside them.
Related terms
General educational reference only. Prescription periods and their exceptions change, and several states set the period by case law rather than by statute. Read the linked official code and consult a licensed attorney in that state before relying on any of it.
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