I own a landlocked parcel in PA.?

Question

A state forester once told me that as far as he was aware, the state can't deny a property owner access to a parcel that they own. Is there such a law? If so, does anyone know what it is whether state or federal?

Answer 1

Your deed should provide your answer. But, I expect you have legal access. But, that may well just mean you can't be prevented from passing through the area around your property, going TO your property. It doesn't mean you have a right to construct a road or driveway across land you don't own, it may just give you access on foot.

Answer 2

check with your states attorney general their office could give you the information you need. most states it is now illegal to sell a parcel that is landlocked but since i do not know how long you have owned this property that discussion is moot.
if your state has no such law and the property surrounding you is all private you will probably have to pay someone for a right of way. is there electric to the property? water or gas? if there are utilities then there are right of ways that you may be able to gain access of. your state attorney general office can lead you in the right direction contact them first.

EDIT:
always exhaust all free resources before you pay a lawyer to get involved the state can probably solve this problem for you.

Answer 3

It would be a state law but it may also involve Federal Regs if you are surrounded by Federal land. There is such a law in TN but I don't know the details.

Best to check with an attorney for laws in your state. May depend on types odf surrounding land, etc.

Answer 4

The state cannot deny you access and neither can other property owners. The legal term for the pathway that you can use to get to your property is "Easement."

You can probably ask the County Land Office for information on easements to your land.