Easement Gate Question and Help

[DennisArrow]

I am the last resident on a private roadthat goes to the top of a mountain. Most of the owners have 10 or so acres and there are only 9 of us . On my side of the road, which again I am the last resident, I have 20 acres, most of it above me towards the end of the road.
On the other side of the road is the back side of 3 neighbors. In addition the county has a water tank that they check on maybe a couple times a month. the neighbors do not use the road for access to their homes and really the only time I see them is when they are out just cruising around.........

The question: Despite a keep out, private road sign I still continue to get folks with nothing better to do than drive around and see what is up this dirt road. Yes, I got one guy coming down this fall with a truck load of firewood and the other morning at 2 AM some guys were trying to get into the gate of the water tank. Many times over the years my road alarm goes off and out I go with the shotgun as I watch them slowly cruise by my place checking out what I have...........SOOOOOO
The neighbors and the county have an easement to get to their land and the water tank. Their properties are totally on the other side of the 30 foot easement. The question is, do you see a problem with putting up a gate and giving the neighbors the combination or a key and let the county double lock the chain if they cant get by with using my key?

Thanks Guys......God bless........Dennis

 

[two_bit_score]

I think whatever you and the other property owners agree to will be just fine. If anyone objects? Then there might be a problem.

Is fire truck access an issue? If you put up a gate and lock the fire truck or ambulance out there might be a problem.

Gated communities deal with this all the time. I can't see where your situation is all that much different. Just get everyone involved to agree.

 

[J_J]

I believe if this is a maintenance easement, and you or your neighbor own parts, or all of the easement, nobody except the owners and city maintenance have the right to use the easement. It is very hard to secure a chain link gate. I can take off most gates in a couple of minutes, just unbolt them or cut the locks. . A gate might be a deterrent , but I would also install a [ POSTED ] sign, and/or a [ NO TRESPASS ] sign and add to that [ SPIKES IN ROAD ].

 

[DennisArrow]

Thanks Guys.....All concerned "say" there is no problem; but who knows when they face reality of it.
HOW does one make allowances for fire, sheriff, and emergency situations with a locked gate?

JJ........Was planning on using 6" posts with two 10' tubular steel gates, a chain/lock, and "tamper proof" hinges. In your opinion, what is the most secure style of gate for folks to easily use in this situation?

Thanks.........Dennis

 

[heehaw]

some city/county agencies have their own locks they are willing to double lock with your so they can have emergency access...hopefully yours is that way.
heehaw

 

[greenmule]

You talk to them,give them a key,or if they want they can use their own lock and just put it on chain that locks gate in such a way that you and your neighbors can unlock yours,and they can unlock theirs,no problems.

That could work,but if they say no,not much you can do.

No need to put up an expensive gate,anybody with a brain and some without one can get a gate down[or a front door opened,]I got a couple paths/roads into my property that borders a more public road,I just put 2 tee posts in ground,with one strand of barbed wire across it with it looped so's I can take wire down. Right next to it is a posted sign,if anybody is dumb enough to take wire down and drive through,they have now broken and entered,and could be shot.Theirs laws I know,but generally speaking,if you open a posted gate,you are now more than just a trespasser.And it don't define what a gate is really,just something you can open and close.

 

[tommu56]

Thanks Guys.....All concerned "say" there is no problem; but who knows when they face reality of it.
HOW does one make allowances for fire, sheriff, and emergency situations with a locked gate?

JJ........Was planning on using 6" posts with two 10' tubular steel gates, a chain/lock, and "tamper proof" hinges. In your opinion, what is the most secure style of gate for folks to easily use in this situation?

Thanks.........Dennis

Our fire co has a 36" or 48" key called bolt cutters.
I try and cut the chain right next to the lock so it can be unlocked and relocked by owner nd they only loose 1 link of chain.
thats why we prefer chain to other gizmos.


tom

 

[J_J]

Dennis, You pretty well have a handle on the situation. By tamper proof, you mean you; can't lift them out of the hinges. or hammer the ends of the bolts so you can not unbolt them. A cattle gate would work also. Add a sign saying [ VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ].

 

[capi75rs]

Thanks Guys.....All concerned "say" there is no problem; but who knows when they face reality of it.
HOW does one make allowances for fire, sheriff, and emergency situations with a locked gate?

I'm on our local fire department and we have several folks who have locked entrances. They have sent us keys that we keep. We also have bolt cutters on every truck. Would rather that we pay for a $5.00 lock if we don't have the key than to let someone die or have their property destroyed by fire. You may want to contact your local EMS and see if they want a key or if they have bolt cutters. Maybe send them both

 

[greenmule]

Forget about the locks,put you up a cheap tube gate[or just a chain suspended between two posts],than put a big sign on front of it,say,WARNING,NO TRESPASSING.,if you have no right to be on this private property,than you shouldn't go any futher,PROPERTY AND GATE ARE BEING VIDEO RECORDED,AND MOINITERED BY PROPERTY OWNER. NOT RESPONSABLE FOR ACCIDENTS.[which may happen if you go beyond this gate],signed xxxxxx date xxxx

That will stop all the honest people[and smart crooks],but you'll have some idiots,so,you'll need to put a presence there every now and than to back it up,good 12 gage,by your side,makes your presence more rememberable.