American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What grants specific rights to the land but does not constitute title?

1. Fee sale

2. Easement

3. Bargain sale

4. Right of first refusal

The correct answer is: Easement

An easement grants specific rights to use the land for a designated purpose without transferring ownership of the land itself. This legal right allows the easement holder to access or use a portion of someone else's property, which can include rights such as traversing a path or utilizing a utility line, among other functions. Importantly, while an easement provides vested rights related to land use, it does not equate to ownership, meaning the title of the land remains with the property owner. Understanding the nature of easements is crucial for planners, as they often manage land use regulations and community planning efforts that involve negotiation over land access and rights. The distinction between ownership and the rights granted by an easement is fundamental in real estate and municipal planning contexts, as planners work to balance individual property rights with community needs and development goals.