Prescriptive Easement: Old Gate, New Problem for Churches
Churches occasionally discover that a neighbor has installed a gate opening directly into the church’s parking lot — often with the explanation that someone at the church gave permission years ago. The original approval may have been informal, undocumented, or made by someone who no longer represents the church. Regardless of how the gate got there, its continued, unchallenged use creates a serious legal risk. This situation creates a serious risk of a prescriptive easement under California law. Under California law, long-term use of another person’s property can mature into […]
