Real Estate & Right-of-Way

Dairyland is authorized to maintain a "right-of-way" corridor that is free and clear of all trees, shrubs and other tall plants and vegetation. Dairyland also removes tall and leaning trees located adjacent to and outside the ROW strip that may endanger the electrical transmission line facility either due to a fall or during a five-year growth horizon (or into the next scheduled vegetation maintenance cycle). 

 

Landscaping adds beauty and function to property, but only grasses should be planted under power lines. For multiple reasons - safety and reliability first and foremost - trees and tall vegetation will be removed from the right-of-way corridor under and near overhead power lines. 

What is an Easement?

  • An interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use or enjoyment - or a right to cross or otherwise use someone else's land for a specified purpose.

What is a Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  •  A legal right (agreement) of passage over another person’s ground for an electrical transmission line system.           

Can I build a fence within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • YES. Dairyland will allow you to construct a six foot (6’) high fence or less as long as written permission is granted by Dairyland.

  • Written permission is required if your proposed fence will be more than six feet (6’) and may not exceed twelve feet (12’) in height.

  • With all fence installations, Dairyland highly recommends installing fourteen foot (14’) wide gates or removable panels which will allow for Dairyland vehicles to traverse down its right-of-way with minimal impacts to your fence.  

Can I build a driveway within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • YES. Dairyland allows for the installation of driveways within its transmission line right-of-ways as long as the grade is not altered more or less than one foot (1’), and the edge of the driveway is installed no closer than ten feet (10’) away from any pole, anchor and/or guy wire.

Can I change the existing grade within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • POSSIBLY.  Dairyland maintains a minimum ten foot (10’) “no disturbance” area around its existing poles and/or guy anchors. 

  • Dairyland recommends that any proposed grading and/or landscaping within the electrical transmission line right of way cannot be increased more than one (1') foot above existing ground elevations since Dairyland’s electrical transmission lines have been designed based upon the existing ground levels to ensure proper state and federal electrical code clearances. 

  • Any proposed grade changes of more than one (1’) foot within Dairyland’s transmission line right-of-way must be submitted to Dairyland’s staff for approval prior to the start of any grading work. 

Can I install exterior lighting within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • POSSIBLY. Dairyland requests that all proposed exterior lighting fixtures heights and locations are submitted to Dairyland’s staff for approval to ensure the lighting fixtures have enough horizontal and vertical clearances from Dairyland’s electrical line system. 

Can I install a septic system within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • POSSIBLY. Septic systems may be considered as long as you submit your proposed septic system plans and drawings to Dairyland staff prior to its installation. This will ensure the septic system does not impede Dairyland’s ability to access its structures and facilities within its transmission line right-of-way and reduce the potential for damage to the septic system due to Dairyland’s vehicle traffic.    

Can I install a well for my house, business, or irrigation system within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • NO. Dairyland will not allow any wells to be installed within its right-of-way.

Can I install a pivot irrigation system within Dairyland's Transmission Line Right-of-Way?

  • POSSIBLY. Dairyland recommends submitting any proposed plans to Dairyland’s staff for written approval prior to installing a pivot irrigation system to ensure the irrigation system and its end gun spray have adequate horizontal and vertical clearances from Dairyland’s electrical transmission line system.

Can I construct a building within Dairyland's Transmission Right-of-Way?

  • YES. Non-inhabited accessory buildings are permissible if you submit your proposed plans to Dairyland’s staff to ensure the building has adequate horizontal and vertical clearances from Dairyland’s electrical transmission line system. 

  • NO.  Dairyland request that no portion of inhabited buildings including decks be constructed within Dairyland’s electrical transmission line right-of-way.

Can I attach non-permanent obstructions to Dairyland poles or structures?

  • NO. Dairyland request that no signs, fences, tree stands, or other obstructions be attached to any of Dairyland poles or structures because it may interfere with the grounding of the electrical transmission line system;

​​​​​​​Dairyland will work with the municipality, contractor or homeowner to try to accommodate any request that is desired to improve the property within the easement area. Providing any plans, drawings, measurements and necessary information early in the planning phase makes for an efficient approval timeline. Landowners should also contact Dairyland prior to landscaping or planting trees near an existing transmission line right-of-way.

Dairyland encourages any/all questions within the electrical transmission line right-of-way.

For more information, contact:

Steve Schauer

Manager, Real Estate and Right of Way

(608) 787-1411

Mike Lydon

Right of Way Technician - Senior

(608) 787-1381