Understanding Utility Easements

What is a Utility Easement?

A utility easement is a legal right that allows a utility company to access and use a portion of another property owner's land for the purpose of constructing and maintaining utilities like electricity, water, sewer, storm, communication, or gas lines. It's important because it ensures that essential services can be provided to communities efficiently. Without easements, the installation and repair of utility infrastructure could be significantly hindered, potentially disrupting services to homes and businesses.

What restrictions are placed on my property if I have a utility easement? 

Having an easement gives the utility the right to use the land, but the utility does not own it. However, the property owner may encounter certain restrictions on land use in an area covered by a utility easement. For example, if your property has a City of Arlington utility easement, the property owner cannot plant vegetation or landscaping that can inflict damage to the utility in the area of the easement, or that will impede the utility from performing necessary maintenance within the easement. The easement also prohibits all structures within the easement area except those that can readily be removed by the owner when access is required. 

As a property owner what do I need to do if I have a utility easement on my property? 

If you have a utility easement on your property, it is best to keep all shrubbery, landscaping, and debris away from the easement area for easy access to the utility companies. If access is impeded to the easement the property owner could incur large expenses from the removal of the shrubbery, landscaping, or debris. 

How do I know if I have a utility easement on my property?

Easements are outlined in property deeds, and recorded on plat documents, enduring through successive ownerships. These documents should be available at Snohomish County, or the Utility company might have records of any utility easement on your property. When you purchase a new home or a plot of land, the title should have the current easements documented with specificity. Older easements might not have as accurate a description.

How do I get rid of a City of Arlington utility easement on my property?

Easements are perpetual. An easement granted to the utility may be relinquished only if the utility determines it is no longer needed and the city council authorizes the relinquishment. 

City of Arlington Easement Requirements:

Water Easement Requirements: AMC 13.04.220

Sewer Easement Requirements: AMC 13.08.200

Drainage Easement Requirements: AMC 13.28.190

If you have questions on a City of Arlington Utility Easement, please contact the Public Works Department at 360-403-3526 or utilities@arlingtonwa.gov