Understanding Easements on Plat Maps
An easement gives someone else a legal right to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose. They show up on plat maps as dashed lines, hatched areas, or labeled strips — and they run with the land forever.
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a defined purpose. The property owner still holds the title, but the easement holder can use that strip of land — and the owner generally cannot obstruct that use.
Most easements are created when a subdivision is platted and are recorded on the plat itself. They're attached to the land, not to the owner — meaning they transfer automatically with any sale.
Common types of easements
Utility easement (UE)
The most common type. Allows utility companies (electric, gas, telephone, cable) to install, access, and maintain underground or overhead lines. Typically runs along the rear or side of lots. You can't build permanent structures in a utility easement.
Drainage easement (DE)
Reserves a corridor for stormwater flow or drainage infrastructure. Often follows a natural drainage path or an installed pipe. Landscaping is usually allowed, but nothing that obstructs water flow.
Irrigation easement
Common in Idaho and other western states. Preserves access to and use of irrigation ditches or canals that cross private property. Ditch companies retain the right to maintain and access these corridors.
Access easement
Grants someone the right to cross your property to reach another parcel. Common when a landlocked lot has no direct road access. The path is usually defined precisely on the plat.
Public right-of-way (ROW)
The strip of land dedicated to public roads, sidewalks, and associated infrastructure. It typically extends beyond the paved road edge — which is why your "front yard" may technically be within the ROW.
Landscape or open space easement
Preserves common landscape areas or natural features. Prevents future development of designated open space within the subdivision.
How to find easements on a plat map
On a recorded plat, easements appear as:
- ›Dashed lines running parallel to lot lines or through lots
- ›Hatched or shaded strips with a label like "10' UE" (10-foot utility easement)
- ›Notes in the plat legend or on the face of the map referencing specific easement types
- ›Labeled corridors such as "Public Utility Easement," "Irrigation Easement," or "Drainage Easement"
The width of the easement is usually noted alongside the line (e.g., "10' UE" = 10 feet wide). Check the plat's notes and legend for abbreviations specific to that subdivision.
What you can and can't do in an easement
Generally allowed
- ✓Lawn and grass
- ✓Low shrubs and groundcover
- ✓Driveways crossing the easement
- ✓Fences (with utility gates where required)
- ✓Shallow-rooted plantings
Generally not allowed
- ✕Structures (sheds, garages, additions)
- ✕Permanent fences blocking access
- ✕Swimming pools
- ✕Deep-rooted trees near utility lines
- ✕Pavement over drainage easements
Rules vary by easement type and jurisdiction. When in doubt, contact the utility company or local planning department before building.
Find easements on your plat
Search for your subdivision on PlatMap to view and download the recorded plat. Zoom into the plat image to see easement lines, widths, and labels for your specific lot.
Look up your plat map
Find easements, setbacks, and lot dimensions for any Ada County subdivision.
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