A public easement is an easement that gives all people (the public) the right to use and enjoy a tract of property such as a street, sidewalk, park, or beach.
In Virginia, a public easement is a legal right that allows the public to use certain property for specific purposes, such as for streets, sidewalks, parks, or beaches. Public easements are typically established by the government and are recorded in the land records of the locality where the property is located. These easements ensure that the public can access and enjoy these areas without interference from the property owner. The creation of public easements can occur through dedication by a property owner, by prescription through long-term public use, or by explicit reservation in a deed or other legal instrument. Virginia law protects these easements, and interference with or obstruction of a public easement can lead to legal action by the government or by members of the public who are affected by such interference.