Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What is defined as the right to drain surface water from one owner's land over that of adjacent owners?

1. General Partnership

2. Conservation Easement

3. Drainage Easement

4. Planned Unit Development (PUD)

The correct answer is: Drainage Easement

The concept described in the question, which pertains to the right to drain surface water from one property over the land of neighboring properties, is accurately identified as a drainage easement. This type of easement is specifically created to allow one property owner to manage water runoff effectively, preventing flooding or water damage to their own property, while recognizing the rights of adjacent landowners. When a drainage easement is established, it sets forth the parameters for how water can be channeled, ensuring that landowners can maintain their land without infringing on the rights and properties of their neighbors. This is a critical aspect of land use and property law, as it balances the need for functional land management with respect for adjoining property rights. In contrast, the other choices do not address this specific right. A general partnership relates to business arrangements and ownership structures, a conservation easement pertains to land use restrictions for the protection of natural resources, and a planned unit development (PUD) is a zoning designation that allows for a mix of residential and commercial uses in a particular area. None of these options apply to the specific concept of draining surface water rights.