American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about easements?

1. An owner cannot have an easement on his own land.

2. An easement is a non-possessory interest.

3. An easement is a right in another's land created for the benefit of adjacent land.

4. Because of an easement, one may be restricted to the use of his own land.

The correct answer is: An owner cannot have an easement on his own land.

An easement being a non-possessory interest in land means that the easement holder does not own the land itself but has the right to use it for a specific purpose, such as access or utility installation. This is crucial because it highlights the nature of easements as a way to balance the interests of multiple property owners; one can benefit from the easement without interfering with ownership rights of the land itself. The statement regarding the easement being a right in another's land emphasizes the core principle of easements: they are established to serve the owner of the dominant estate by allowing them access or utility rights over the servient estate. This dynamic is essential in urban planning and land use management, where landowners often need access to pathways or services that traverse other properties. The mention of restrictions due to an easement reflects the practical implications of having an easement in place. Property owners may find their usage of their own land limited by the terms of the easement, requiring them to adhere to certain regulations or allowances which ensure that the rights granted to the easement holder are respected. In contrast, the assertion that an owner cannot have an easement on their own land is not true. It can be entirely possible for a landowner