What are public easements?

Public easements refer to the rights granted to the public, allowing them to use a portion of private property for specific public purposes. This might include access for utilities, pathways, or public rights-of-way. The nature of an easement is such that it does not transfer ownership of the land but instead provides a legal right to utilize part of the property for the greater community's benefit.

This makes public easements essential for developing infrastructure, such as roads and sidewalks, without needing to fully acquire the land. They promote communal access while respecting the rights of private property owners, as the owner still retains ownership, but they must allow the public to utilize the designated easement area.

The other options do not appropriately capture the essence of public easements. For instance, a type of private property transaction doesn't fit because easements are about rights of usage rather than ownership transfer. Restrictions on property use pertain more to zoning or covenants rather than public access grants. Additionally, exclusive rights for a business focus on private interests rather than public benefits. Thus, the definition that encompasses public usage aligns perfectly with what public easements are intended to represent.