What is an easement?

An easement is defined as a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose. This means that the holder of the easement does not own the land in question but is granted certain rights to use it, which can include easements for utilities, access, or conservation. This concept is crucial in site planning as it affects land use, property rights, and development potential. For example, a utility company may hold an easement that allows it to install power lines across privately owned land, ensuring that they can provide services without having to acquire full ownership of the land.

While other choices discuss related land concepts, they do not correctly define an easement. A property that must remain undeveloped typically refers to land use restrictions but does not encapsulate the idea of permission to use someone else's land. Landscaping requirements address aesthetic or ecological concerns but are unrelated to legal land use rights. A tax break for unused land pertains to financial incentives and does not reflect the legal framework surrounding easements. Understanding easements is essential for successful site planning, as they dictate how properties can interact and be developed in relation to one another.