Planting a new maple, setting a fence post, or leveling a spot for a patio can seem simple. In Leestown, a few unseen rules can turn those projects into costly problems if you skip a step. You want to protect your property, avoid disputes, and keep crews and neighbors safe. This quick guide explains easements, street tree rules, and Kentucky 811 so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Easements 101 in Leestown
Easements are legal rights that let someone use part of your land for a specific purpose, such as utilities or drainage. They are recorded with the deed or plat and typically run with the land. For a plain‑language overview, see the general definition of an easement. Learn what an easement is.
Common easements around Leestown include utility, drainage, and access. Conservation easements are less common in suburban plats but do exist in Fayette County. For context on conservation tools in Lexington, review the city’s program overview. See Lexington’s conservation easement context.
Easements limit what you can build or plant in that area. You still own the land, but you should not place permanent structures that block the easement holder’s access or use. Local guidance also expects you to keep vegetation from interfering with sidewalks and public rights‑of‑way. Understand how easements affect use.
How to find easements on your lot
- Review your title report from closing, especially Schedule B for exceptions and easements.
- Check recorded plats and deeds through Fayette County records. The PVA parcel viewer is a helpful first look, but a survey or title work is definitive. Start with the Fayette PVA resources.
- If you plan a sensitive project, order an up‑to‑date boundary survey.
Street trees and private trees
Trees in Leestown fall into three buckets: street trees in the public right‑of‑way, trees on private property that may overhang a neighbor’s lot, and trees inside recorded utility or drainage easements. Each has different rules.
Street trees and right‑of‑way
Property owners are responsible for keeping vegetation clear of sidewalks and streets. Minimum clearance is generally 7 feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets, with higher standards on truck routes. Planting or removing a street tree often requires an LFUCG permit through Urban Forestry. Check rules before you plant in the parkway strip and confirm if your area has any historic or HOA overlays. Review Lexington street tree permit guidance.
Neighbor trees that overhang
If branches or roots cross onto your property, you can usually trim them back to the property line. Do not trespass onto your neighbor’s land, and avoid work that would kill or seriously harm the tree. For larger or risky work, hire a certified arborist and document the condition and scope. Read the general principles on neighbor tree issues.
Trees inside utility easements
When a tree sits in a recorded utility easement, the utility typically has the right to trim or remove vegetation that interferes with safe access or maintenance. In Kentucky, that right is limited to what is necessary and reasonable. If a crew is working on your property, ask for the easement basis, note dates and details, and take photos of the area. See Farmer v. Kentucky Utilities for the legal standard.
811: call before you dig in Kentucky
Kentucky law requires you to contact Kentucky 811 at least two full working days before excavation. This applies to homeowners, even for small projects that use mechanized equipment, such as fence posts or mailbox posts. Waiting for marks protects you from service outages, injury, and potential penalties. Review the Kentucky 811 law summary.
What 811 will and will not mark
Kentucky 811 notifies member utilities to mark the approximate locations of underground lines. Private lines, such as sprinkler systems, gas lines to grills, or landscape lighting, are not marked by 811. You are responsible for locating private lines through a private locator or installer. See Kentucky 811 homeowner guidance.
A simple 3‑step process
- Contact Kentucky 811 at least two full working days before you dig, then keep your ticket number handy. Follow the homeowner steps.
- Wait for marks and positive responses. Respect the colored flags and paint, and keep a safe tolerance zone. Never assume depth.
- If you suspect private lines, arrange a private locate before you start.
Quick checklist for Leestown projects
- Check your deed, title report, and recorded plat for easements. Use the PVA parcel viewer as a first look, and get a survey if you are unsure. Start with Fayette PVA.
- Always contact Kentucky 811 at least two full working days before digging. Confirm the law and steps.
- If planting or removing a street tree, contact Urban Forestry for permits and follow clearance standards. Review LFUCG guidance.
- For encroaching branches and roots, trim only to the property line and avoid damaging the tree. Document work, and use a certified arborist for large jobs. See general neighbor tree principles.
- If utilities access an easement on your lot, ask for the easement basis, document the work, and discuss restoration if landscaping is disturbed. Know the Kentucky standard.
When to bring in help
- Title company or surveyor: when plat lines or easement locations are unclear.
- LFUCG Urban Forestry: before planting or removing street trees or altering the parkway strip.
- Certified arborist: for large, hazardous, or boundary trees.
- Utility or Kentucky 811: for complex projects or if you see conflicting marks or unclear responses.
Local guidance when you buy or sell
Rules around easements, trees, and digging can affect your timeline and budget. If you are preparing to list, plan projects that respect easements and 811 requirements. If you are buying, review title exceptions and plat notes early, especially if you want to add a fence, driveway, or major landscaping.
If you want a clear plan for your Leestown property, reach out. As a local advisor, Thaddeus Blevins can help you interpret practical next steps, connect you with the right local pros, and coordinate a smooth purchase or sale.
FAQs
What is an easement and why does it matter for Leestown homeowners?
- An easement is a recorded right for someone else to use part of your land for a specific purpose, which can limit where you build or plant. See the definition.
How do I check for easements before I build a fence in Leestown?
- Review your title report and recorded plat, use the Fayette PVA viewer, and order a current survey if needed. Start here.
Do I need a permit to plant or remove a street tree in Lexington?
- Often yes, and you must meet clearance standards over sidewalks and streets. Contact LFUCG Urban Forestry first. Review street tree guidance.
Can a utility cut or remove my tree in Leestown?
- If the tree is in a recorded utility easement or interferes with safe operations, a utility can trim or remove what is necessary and reasonable. See the Kentucky case.
Do I really have to call 811 for a single mailbox post or fence post?
- Yes. Kentucky requires contacting 811 at least two full working days before excavation that uses mechanized equipment. Check the law.
Will Kentucky 811 mark my private sprinkler or gas grill line?
- No. 811 marks member utility lines only. You must hire a private locator for private lines. See homeowner guidance.
