When buying or owning property in Sacramento, CA, it's important to know exactly what you're getting and what others may have the right to use. One of the most overlooked but critical elements in property ownership is the easement.
Easements can affect your rights, your property's value, and even what you’re allowed to build. The best way to uncover easements before making a big mistake? Get a property survey.
In this guide, we’ll explain what easements are, how they appear on surveys, and what landowners and buyers in Sacramento need to watch out for.
Why Easements Matter in Property Ownership?
Sacramento’s Growing Real Estate Market
With Sacramento’s steady growth and development, more homes and commercial properties are changing hands than ever before. This makes understanding land rights—including easements—crucial.
Surveys Reveal Important Details
A property survey doesn’t just show boundary lines. It can uncover legal access rights, utility zones, and shared spaces you might not know exist—all things that could impact how you use your land.
What Is an Easement?
Easement Definition and Legal Purpose
An easement is a legal right that allows someone else to use part of your land for a specific reason, even though you own it. Easements are common and usually permanent unless legally removed.
Common Types of Easements in Sacramento
Utility Easements: Let water, gas, and electric companies access underground lines
Access Easements: Give others legal entry to their property through yours
Drainage Easements: Allow runoff or water flow between properties
Conservation Easements: Protect natural areas from development
Who Can Use an Easement?
Easements might benefit:
Government agencies
Utility companies
Neighbors or adjacent landowners
Public for walking paths or shared roads
How Property Surveys Identify Easements
What Surveyors Look For
Licensed surveyors check public records, title documents, and land use maps to find existing easements. They also visit the site to note any visible signs—like utility boxes or shared driveways.
How Easements Are Marked on Surveys
Surveys often use dashed lines or shaded areas to show easements. These symbols come with labels explaining their purpose and dimensions.
Best Survey Types for Finding Easements
Boundary Surveys: Often show basic easements
ALTA/NSPS Surveys: Required for commercial deals and show detailed legal rights
Topographic Surveys: Help identify slopes, drains, and utility-related easements
Easements in Real Estate Transactions
Easement Disclosure Rules in California
In California, sellers must disclose known easements. Title companies also include easement records in your title report. Still, a survey gives you a visual, ground-level view.
Why Buyers Should Review the Survey Before Closing
Surveys help you:
Avoid building in the wrong spot
Understand if others have access to your land
Prepare for future construction or landscaping plans
Title Insurance and Easements
Some easements may be excluded from title insurance, meaning you're responsible for problems related to them. Knowing about them before closing is key.
Challenges Easements Can Create for Property Owners
Building and Zoning Limitations
You might not be allowed to build a fence, shed, or driveway in an easement zone—even if it’s on your land.
Shared Access and Maintenance Disputes
If neighbors share a driveway or pathway, who pays for repairs? Surveys help define responsibility and prevent arguments.
Resale and Property Value Impacts
Easements, especially large or unusual ones, can lower your resale value or scare off potential buyers.
Resolving Easement-Related Conflicts
The Role of Surveyors
If there's a boundary or easement dispute, a professional survey can often settle it with accurate, up-to-date data.
Legal Options for Property Owners
You may need to file a quiet title action to clarify or remove an easement. In some cases, easements can be renegotiated or relocated with approval from all parties.
Negotiation with Neighbors or Utilities
In less serious cases, a calm conversation and written agreement can resolve issues—especially if the easement isn’t actively used.
Best Practices for Buyers and Owners in Sacramento
Always Request a Survey Before Buying
Don’t rely on old maps or seller statements. A new survey gives you clear, legal insight into your property.
Hire a Local Surveyor
Someone familiar with Sacramento’s zoning codes and easement trends will give you the most accurate, helpful information.
Keep Survey Records in a Safe Place
Your survey should be stored with your property documents—it may be needed years later for permits, resale, or legal reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Easements Recorded with the County?
No. Some may be informal or unrecorded. A survey helps identify both recorded and unrecorded easements.
Can Easements Be Removed?
Sometimes, yes—with legal help and if the other party agrees. But most are permanent unless officially changed.
What If the Easement Isn’t on My Deed?
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Easements can exist without being listed in the deed, which is why surveys are so important.
How Do I Know If a Utility Can Access My Yard?
Check your survey and title report. Most utility easements are permanent and allow entry even without asking permission.
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