This information provides planners, developers and the individual property owners with guidance in land development and property uses in and around electric transmission rights of ways. While the power line easement may restrict some types of property uses or development, opportunities still exist for the developer and land owner to take advantage of the adjacent land. This information is designed to let you know that your local electric utility, the Ohio Power Siting Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio are ready to provide further direction or answer any questions you might have.

Electric Transmission lines are a common and necessary part of our life. The lines bring huge quantities of electric power from generating plants to our homes. Some of the largest lines carry up to 2000 megawatts of power - enough to supply a large city with all of its electric energy needs. These transmission lines deliver electrical energy to substations - complex collections of transformers surrounded by a chain link fence or behind a brick wall. From the substations, where the power is transformed into 3000-, 7000- or 13000-volt power, smaller distribution lines disperse the electricity throughout the community. The final transformer, located just outside the home or business, transforms the power to 110 or 220 volts that are used in most homes. More and more, these distribution lines are buried beneath the ground.

Transmission Lines

The transmission lines may take various forms - towers, single or double poles, and sometimes underground lines. Stretching throughout Ohio, these lines make up the power grid and form the "backbone" of the electrical supply system.

Transmission lines are designed and constructed for safety to the general public, particularly with respect to the area surrounding the lines. This area, called the easement or right of way, includes the spaces directly beneath and to each side of a transmission line. These easements give the electric company the right to construct and maintain a transmission line. They also restrict the uses of the property within the boundary to protect the line from any construction that may pose a safety or reliability problem.

Easement Size

The size of the easement depends on the type of transmission line and the voltage it carries. Generally the higher the line voltage, the wider the easement. Typical easement widths vary from around 65 feet to 200 feet. The easement width provides for all design and code clearances, under all operating conditions. While electric transmission lines may be static in appearance, they do undergo subtle changes. For instance, a line may sag 20 feet or more in hot weather. Under heavy wind, the transmission lines may stretch an additional 50 feet or more. The size of the easement is determined to ensure the safest operation and maintenance of the line under all foreseeable operating conditions.

Your electric utility's transmission easement prohibits certain uses within the easement limits. Typically, this includes restrictions on some construction, mobile home placement, well digging, advertising devices, lighting and flag poles, antennas, trash dumpsters and the storage of materials and other objects that reduce code clearances or may be flammable.

Permissible land use within the easement

Permitted or compatible uses within the right of way can be considered as anything not specifically excluded in the easement. In general, land uses that do not conflict with National Electrical Safety Code, local zoning or other code requirements are permitted. Examples include storm water control basins, park areas, streets, walkways, parking, bike paths, leach beds, yards, landscaping, farming and pasture.

Encroachments onto existing easement areas

A property owner's construction or property improvement within an existing easement may concern the local utility company. Encroachment onto existing rights of way can first be avoided by proper planning during the home's original construction, positioning the home so that future additions will avoid pre-existing rights of way. Common encroachments include decks, garages, house additions, swimming pools, antennas and sheds. The removal of an encroachment may be at the property owner's expense.

Trees and vegetation within the easement

The utility easement requires that the area be free and clear of large trees. Large tree branches may grow into the wires or fall into the line. In either situation, the line is threatened and safety may be compromised. If the landowner wants to have trees within the easement, there are several low-growing species acceptable for planting.

Opportunity for developers

Many community zoning and development commissions now require green space in new projects. Often, transmission lines and their restrictive right of way corridors lend themselves to use as green space and park areas. Developer may take the initiative and explore the range of land uses crossed by existing transmission lines. Site development and a transmission line right of way can be combined to include aspects of development that are to everyone's benefit. Successful planning should enhance the marketability of the development and minimize any perceived negative effects of the transmission line.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF)

Any line that is energized and has an electric current produces electric and magnetic fields (EMF). The higher the voltage, the higher the electric field, and the greater the electric current, the greater the magnetic field. The fields generated by transmission lines are also dependant on the configuration of the lines and the distance from the line.

The federal government has completed a five-year study on the health risks of exposure to EMF. All prior studies were reviewed and extensive laboratory research was performed. Final results of this and other studies are not conclusive.

If you need further information regarding:

• Land development and transmission lines
• The permitted land uses within transmission line right of ways
• Safe operation in and around transmission lines
• Codes and rules affecting work activity
• Structure placement in proximity to transmission lines
• Resolving easement or other disputes,