If a property is owned, is just the surface owned?

Question

Do property owners, own a particular depth of dirt?

Would it be posible to make a tunel under someones property, legally?

Answer 1

The answer depends on the government branch that deeded your land. For residential land, this is usually the county and sometimes the state.

In most cases, property that has been zoned for a specific use lets you control the land to the depth necessary to support its intended use. For example, in a residential lot, you would own the land to a depth necessary to support residential structures and landscaping. In rural land, the depth might also include access to the water table for a well and sufficient depth for a septic leach field.

Most land not specifically zoned for mining does not include mineral rights. This means that if oil is discovered under your property, you do not own the oil or the rights to mine it. You own the surface typically to a depth of around 20 feet. However, the owner of the mineral rights would need your permissoin to dig through the surface of your lot or do any tunneling that would affect the use of your lot. For all practical purposes, the miner would need to cut a deal with you to be able to mine your land.

The other issue to consider is the right to dig tunnels. For zoned property, you will need to get special permission (usually in the form of a construction permit) to dig a tunnel under any land -- even your own land. In the goverment gives you this permission, it is possible that would could dig under someone else's property, but the tunnel would need to be extremely deep.

In the end, you probably should not plan on digging tunnels under other people's property without their permission. There are circumstances in which you can do this, but they won't apply to you unless you in the business of building subways, municipal water supplies or underground utilies.

Answer 2

IN Australia you own the rights to use the surface only. If you want mining rights you have to apply separately. Technically someone could come in and start to mine your property, although this is highly unlikely. Buying your rights is not expensive if there are no known minerals in the area. The cost is relative.

Airspace rights are also another concern. You do not own those either, and the councils could put freeways or power cables over your home. (or a jet path). Maybe you can apply to own them, but I have not heard of anyone being able to do so.

Answer 3

the south African diamond mines are not even mined in south Africa anymore and haven't been for years they have crossed the border along time ago, my brother owns a three story apt. in George town Colorado and no body there owns their properties mineral rights because it is on a purchased gold field years ago

Answer 4

YES IT POSSIBLE BUT NOT REALLY A GOOD IDEA, HERE I NTHE USA, THE INDIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE LAND, YOU ONLY ARE ALLOWED TO USE THE SUFACE TO LIVE ON

Answer 5

you forgot to ask if the air above is owned.

depends.........