Utility Easements

A utility easement is a legal right granted to the City of Columbia, allowing Columbia Water and their employees and contractors to access, maintain, repair, and replace utilities on private property.

Easements do not change the ownership of the land. However, the property owner’s use may be limited by provisions of the City’s Easement Encroachment Policy within the easement area.

If access is required to a utility easement on your property, Columbia Water staff or its contractors may contact you in advance of scheduling major maintenance or repairs.

If your plat has been recorded, it will be located in your county’s Register of Deeds Office and may be copied for a fee. There is not a plat recorded for every deed, so some properties will not have a plat.

• Utility Access – Columbia Water or its contractors may access utility easements to inspect, maintain, or repair its utilities.
• Emergency Response – In the event of an emergency, Columbia Water may access utility easements to perform necessary repairs.
• Encroachments and Other Improvements – Permanent structures/sheds with a concrete foundation may not be built on the utility easement. Fencing constructed of masonry materials, signs with masonry foundations, specialty pavers, light poles, buildings, pipelines, pools, pool decking, fences with concrete posts, and the obstructing figures are not permitted within the easement and are subject to removal or relocation during maintenance at the property owner’s cost.
• Landscaping – Trees should not be planted within the utility easement.

• Locate your easement(s).
• Remove structures and excess vegetation within the utility easement.
• Keep storm drains free of pet waste, yard debris, and harmful chemicals.
• Keep the utility easement area accessible to Columbia Water crews.
• Call 811 at least three days before you plan to dig. Learn more at SC811.com

• Utility Access – Columbia Water or its contractors may access utility easements to inspect, maintain, or repair its utilities.
• Emergency Response – In the event of an emergency, Columbia Water may access utility easements to perform necessary repairs.
• Encroachments and Other Improvements – Permanent structures/sheds with a concrete foundation may not be built on the utility easement. Fencing constructed of masonry materials, signs with masonry foundations, specialty pavers, light poles, buildings, pipelines, pools, pool decking, fences with concrete posts, and the obstructing figures are not permitted within the easement and are subject to removal or relocation during maintenance at the property owner’s cost.
• Landscaping – Trees should not be planted within the utility easement.

Keep the easement area clear and accessible for Columbia Water crews (Left). Fencing constructed of masonry materials and other permanent structures are not permitted in easements (Right).

Columbia Water crews and contractors inspect and perform general clearing work annually in the utility easement. Annual utility easement work:

• Improves and ensures safe accessibility for Columbia Water crews maintaining utilities.
• Prevents tree and shrub root growth that cause damage to existing pipes.
• Reduces sanitary sewer overflows.
• Inspects for damage or repairs that need to be made to utilities.
• Provides access to utilities in an emergency.
• Monitors water quality and quantity of stormwater runoff.
• Repairs and maintains utility pipes.