Easements

To research whether there are easements across a parcel, you can take the following steps. The most reliable method often involves checking recorded documents with the county and reviewing title records:

✅ 1. Start with the Clerk-Recorder's Office

This is where easements are officially recorded.

Visit the County Recorder or Clerk-Recorder’s Office (in the county where the parcel is located).

  • Search the property by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or owner name.
  • Look for deeds, easement agreements, or grant of easement documents.
  • You can usually request copies (fees may apply).

📝 Tip: Easements may be recorded as separate documents or included in the deed's legal description.

✅ 2. Review the Parcel’s Title Report

If available, a preliminary title report (or a full title report) is one of the best sources for easement information.

You can get this from a title company (especially if you're in a real estate transaction).

Look for:

  • Easements for utilities, access, drainage, etc.
  • Exceptions or encumbrances listed in the report.

✅ 3. Check with the County Assessor or Planning/Engineering Department

The Planning or Engineering Department may have subdivision or development maps showing utility easements, access roads, or public rights-of-way.

Assessor Parcel Maps from the county website often show basic easement overlays or right-of-way data (though not always comprehensive).

✅ 4. Examine the Subdivision Map or Parcel Map

Look up recorded subdivision or parcel maps; Plumas County Engineering Department - Recorded Maps

Easements are often drawn and labeled directly on these maps (e.g., “20’ PG&E Easement”).

✅ 5. Contact Utility Companies (if needed)

For utility easements, PG&E, AT&T, or other utility providers may have their own easement records. This is usually a last resort unless you suspect undocumented or historical easements.

✅ 6. Hire a Licensed Land Surveyor
Click here for a list of Engineers, Planners and Land Surveyors

If you need a definitive answer—especially for development—a licensed surveyor can:

  • Review title records
  • Perform a boundary and easement survey
  • Map all recorded easements and encroachments on the parcel

For More Information

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Engineering Staff.