What Is a Right of Way? (And Why Are Strangers Asking About Your Dirt?)
Hey there, landowner!
Ever had someone knock on your door and say, “Hi! Can we put a road, pipe, or pole on your land?”
You probably thought, “Wait… what?! Why?”
Welcome to the world of Right of Way (or ROW for short).
Let’s break it down real easy — no lawyer-speak, no headache.
What Is a Right of Way?
A right of way is when someone (like a power company or road crew) asks to use part of your land so they can build something or get to something.
They don’t want your house. Just a slice of space — like a driveway, a path, or a tunnel for wires.
What’s an Easement?
Funny word, right?
An easement is the fancy term for permission to use your land for a specific reason. Think of it like saying:
“Okay, Mr. Utility Guy, you can run your power lines here, but don’t touch my stuff”
You still own the land. You just share a bit of it — like letting a neighbor use your sidewalk. Except in this case, they might pay you!
Who Wants a Right of Way?
Power companies (for poles for Power lines)
Road crews (to build or widen roads)
Solar and wind companies (they LOVE wide-open space)
Even the city (to reach water or sewer stuff)
Do I Have to Say Yes?
Nope! You have landowner rights. That means:
You can ask questions
You can negotiate
You can say no (unless it’s an eminent domain situation — that’s a whole other post)
Remember: If someone wants something from you, your land just got valuable. Don’t undersell your dirt!
How Much Do They Pay?
It depends on:
How much land they want
What they’re building
How it affects your property
So… What Should I Do?
If someone asks for a right of way:
Don’t panic.
Don’t sign anything yet.
Ask lots of questions (even the silly ones).
Call a pro — that could be me 😎 or someone like me. I might be the land agent who shows up on behalf of a renewable energy company or power company. We’re the folks knocking on your door, trying to make a deal that works for both sides. Just make sure your side is protected too.
It’s Your Land!
If they want in, they better treat you right.
Your land isn’t just dirt, it’s worth something. You’ve got power. Use it.
And hey, now when someone says “easement,” you won’t run for the dictionary. You’ll smile and say:
“Oh, you mean my land’s side hustle? Let’s talk.”