Public Utility Easements

Example of a map showing a public easement utility on Birchwood Dr.Did you know the frontage of your property may contain utilities such as electric, gas, telephone, cable, and telecommunication? These are called "Public Utility Easements."

Most subdivisions built after 1990 contain a public utility easement. Most are commonly located within the first ten feet of a property between the back of a sidewalk and the house, while some older properties have easements that surround the entire lot. These utilities can be found underground or above ground depending on the area of the City. We recommend keeping your prize-winning roses and other sensitive or delicate landscaping, as well as any structures out of these easements so that impacts to your property do not occur if new installations or maintenance of existing utilities needs to be completed in the public utility easement.

Sometimes utility providers need to access this equipment to conduct maintenance or enhance the services they provide to residents. Before this work is completed, utility providers must acquire a permit from the City. The permits require that a utility provider repair any property disturbance to a condition that is at least equal to what it was prior to the work being performed. 

In 2024 and 2025, Ziply Fiber has applied to add a number of new fiberoptic lines throughout Oregon City to provide high speed Internet access to residents. These will be installed in public utility easements when available in various neighborhoods. 

If you have questions or concerns about private utility work in the public utility easement adjacent to your property, please reach out to the Engineering group via phone at 971-204-4601 or Email the Public Works Department.

CIC Upcoming Meeting - Public Utility Easement Presentation

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