Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
My town wants to use an easement on my property for traffic due to repairs of a bridge that they will close for about 1 year. Can this be leased with a fee to the town? What other options are there?
This sounds like a temporary use, which would not necessarily have to be in the form of an easement. You could simply grant the town permission, in exchange for whatever fee you agree upon.
I would strongly recommend having the permission be in writing, prepared or reviewed by your attorney, to ensure that the terms are exactly as you expect and that there is no unpleasant surprise-for
example, what happens if the funding for the bridge construction falls through?
However, as long as the permission is in writing, you should be protected against any claims that the city (or the public) has created a prescriptive easement.
