Easement in Colorado
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Colorado recognizes easements by prescription after 18 years of open, continuous use without permission.
How Colorado treats Easement
Colorado law allows easements to arise through adverse possession-like mechanisms, where someone using another's land openly for 18 years may gain an easement right. The use must be visible, uninterrupted, and without the owner's consent. Colorado courts also enforce express easements created by deed or agreement, and utility easements are common for water rights and infrastructure crossing private property.
The general definition of Easement
The right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose, like crossing it or running utilities.
An easement gives one person or entity the legal right to use another person's property in a limited way. For example, a utility company might have an easement to run electric lines under your yard, or a neighbor might have an easement to cross your land to reach their property. The property owner still owns the land but cannot prevent the easement holder from exercising their right.
Read the full Easement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.