Surface Rights

Surface rights refer to the legal authority to use and access the land’s surface area. If someone holds surface rights, they can build, farm, or enjoy the land as they choose, subject to existing laws and agreements. These rights are separate from mineral or water rights, which might belong to others. For example, a landowner with surface rights can develop their property, but if a third party has rights to extract minerals underneath, it may affect future uses. Understanding surface rights helps clarify who can use the land and for what purposes, ensuring proper management and legal compliance.