South Carolina Easement and Right of Way (Nonexclusive, Permanent Use of Granter's Private Road) In South Carolina, an easement and right of way refers to the legal permission granted to individuals or entities to use another person's private road for a specific purpose, such as access to their property or utilities. This type of easement is nonexclusive, meaning that the granter retains the right to utilize the road as well, and it is permanent, allowing the grantee to utilize the road indefinitely. There are a few different types of South Carolina easements and rights of way, including: 1. Prescriptive Easement: This type of easement arises when an individual uses a private road openly and continuously without the owner's permission for a specific number of years (typically 10-20 years). By meeting the legal requirements, the individual gains the right to continue using the road permanently. 2. Easement by Necessity: This type of easement is granted when a property owner lacks another reasonable means of accessing their land. For example, if a landlocked property can only be reached by crossing a neighboring property, an easement by necessity may be established. 3. Easement by Agreement: This type of easement is voluntarily negotiated and agreed upon between the granter and grantee. The terms and conditions of usage are typically outlined in a written agreement, which is recorded in the county's land records. 4. Statutory Easement: South Carolina law allows for the creation of statutory easements in certain situations, such as for public utilities or common areas within a planned community or subdivision. These easements are provided by the state or local government for specific public or community uses. It's important to note that South Carolina law places certain restrictions on the grantee's use of the easement and right of way. The grantee is typically limited to using the road solely for the purpose it was granted, such as accessing their property or utility installation. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining the road in good condition and reimbursing the granter for any damages caused. In summary, South Carolina easement and right of way (nonexclusive, permanent use of granter's private road) allows individuals or entities to legally access or utilize someone else's private road for specific purposes. Whether it's through prescriptive, necessity, agreement, or statutory easements, these rights play a vital role in ensuring efficient and fair land usage across the state.