American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

An easement is defined as what type of right?

1. A right to develop land

2. A privilege to use lands owned by another

3. A type of property tax exemption

4. A zoning exception

The correct answer is: A privilege to use lands owned by another

An easement is correctly defined as a privilege to use lands owned by another. This legal arrangement allows an individual or entity (the holder of the easement) the right to use or access a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose. Common examples include utility easements, which permit utility companies to install and maintain infrastructure like power lines or water pipes across private property. This definition emphasizes the nature of easements as a limited and specific right, differentiating it from ownership or development rights. Unlike a right to develop land, which implies broader control and potential construction on the property, an easement restricts the holder to specific usages, typically without interfering with the owner's rights. While options related to property tax exemptions or zoning exceptions touch on aspects of property regulation and rights, they do not accurately represent the nature of easements. It's crucial to understand that easements convey use rather than ownership, making the definition of a privilege to use lands owned by another the most accurate choice.