Right-of-way Use

Georgia Power has easement rights to the majority of its utility corridors, in fact very few miles of transmission rights of way are company owned.

An encroachment is any use or activity within the transmission right-of-way that restricts, in any way, the full use or purpose for which the right-of-way was established.

Certain uses of Georgia Power easements or property will not interfere with the transmission right-of-way as long as standards of use are observed. Agricultural, horticultural (including planting trees and shrubs limited to a 15-foot mature height) or grazing activities are authorized by the underlying property owner, but will be monitored by our crews. These uses do not require a written agreement except when they are proposed on property owned by the company in fee. In order to qualify for consideration, a plant must not reach a mature height of greater than fifteen feet. Additionally, these trees must be planted in a landscaped area. This area shall be maintained by the property owner in such a fashion that it is obvious to all that it is a landscaped area. If any trees are planted in an area where right-of-way crews could mistake it for "brush", it will likely be cut down.

Get a list of trees and ornamentals acceptable for planting within the easement. In order to quality for consideration, a plant must not reach a mature height of greater than fifteen feet. Additionally, these trees must be planted in a landscaped area. This area shall be maintained by the property owner in such a fashion that it is obvious to all that it is a landscaped area. If any trees are planted in an area where right-of-way crews could mistake it for "brush", it will likely be cut down.

General consideration should be given to maintain a minimum undisturbed area within a 25-foot radius from the structure and/or attachment locations. Additional space may be required if circumstances warrant. Any use should always:

• Avoid undermining structures or anchors
• Keep access to the right of way and facilities open
• Protect guy wires and anchors
• Protect any buried facilities on the right-of-way
• Meet or exceed National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards
• Cross perpendicular (90 degrees) to the right of way

Georgia Power will accommodate reasonable uses of our easements and fee property. Uses that interfere with, obstruct, restrict or endanger the use of our rights of way, fee property, and transmission facilities will not be permitted in order to preserve our right to construct, replace, operate, maintain, reconstruct and access power and communication lines in a safe and timely manner.

The following activities are examples of uses that may be permitted provided certain standards are observed and an agreement is properly executed.

• Fills
• Grading
• Drainage ditches
• Streets, roads, driveways
• Recreational activities
• Parking
• Lakes and ponds
• Fences
• Tree farming
• Certain utilities

Use by Parties Other than the Property Owner

These uses may be permitted under specified circumstances:

• Sewer, water and gas lines
• Electrical distribution lines
• Telecommunications and cable TV
• Railroad spur tracks

Prohibited Activities

The following are examples of uses that are not permissible:

• Fueling or permanent storage of fuel facilities
• Use as a runway for landing and take off of any aviation equipment
• Swimming pools
• Signboards exceeding 15 feet in height
• Permanent structures of any kind ("Permanent" includes buildings too large to move on trailers, structures with poured foundations, structures with permanent piers, and structures larger than 12' x 12' x 12' from ground level. If temporary structures are allowed under this exception, proper clearances must be maintained at all times.)
• Septic tanks
• House trailers
• Trees or shrubs that will exceed 15 feet in height at maturity
• Dumps, junkyards, garbage receptacles, recycling centers or solid waste burial
• Outdoor lighting not owned / maintained by an electrical utility
• Wells

The application process for an encroachment agreement to permit activity may be initiated by applying online.

Contact us with questions concerning the above activities and encroachments.