What kind of easement is specifically for commercial use, like utility lines?

An easement in gross is specifically associated with commercial use, such as utility lines. This type of easement benefits a specific individual or entity rather than a particular piece of land. For example, utility companies require easements to install and maintain poles, wires, and pipelines across private properties. The key characteristic of an easement in gross is that it is not tied to the ownership of adjoining land but rather grants rights to the holder of the easement for specific uses, often related to commercial activities.

In contrast, an appurtenant easement benefits a parcel of land and is typically tied to the ownership of that property, facilitating access or usage that benefits the dominant estate. Exclusive easements limit the rights of others but do not inherently define commercial versus private use. A permanent easement indicates that the rights belong indefinitely rather than on a temporary or conditional basis, but it doesn't specify the nature of the use, whether commercial or residential. Thus, the nature of an easement in gross as a commercial-use easement aligns precisely with this question.