Owner A gives the county a subsurface easement for a sewer line. What is this classified as?

The classification of the easement granted by Owner A to the county for the sewer line is accurately identified as an easement in gross by grant. In this context, an easement in gross is a type of easement that benefits an individual or entity rather than a piece of property. When Owner A willingly provides the easement, it is referred to as a "grant" because the easement is being given directly to the county which will then use it for a specific purpose—namely, the installation and maintenance of the sewer line.

This type of easement is distinguished from an easement by reservation, where a property owner retains certain rights over a property when transferring ownership or interests in that property. Since the easement is specifically for the county's use and not tied to another property owned by Owner A, it does not fit the criteria for a reservation.

Furthermore, an exclusive easement would imply that the county is the only entity that can use the easement, indicating a more restrictive arrangement. However, easements in gross don't necessarily imply exclusive use unless explicitly stated.

Finally, the term "permanently created easement" doesn't typically apply in this context, as easements can often be revoked or modified under certain conditions, depending on