Data Center Right of Way
The term “data center right of way” refers to obtaining easements that are necessary for the construction, completion, and/or expansion of a data center. With data center growth expected to double or triple in the United States by 2028 (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024), right of way continues to be an important topic among data center developers.
Easement Examples for Data Center Right of Way
One data center may require multiple easements, depending on the site’s proximity to neighboring landowners, existing infrastructure, and other resources. Generally speaking, most easements can be categorized into two groups:
Temporary easements, such as a gravel access road cutting across a landowner’s field to provide access for workers and construction equipment.
Permanent easements, such as underground trenches for fiber lines or natural gas pipelines. Connecting data centers to the grid also involves transmission lines, which likely requires additional easements.
Right of Way: In-House vs. Outsource
Obtaining right of way entails considerable planning and outreach, especially for easements that span several miles. Activities commonly related to right of way projects include:
Area of Interest (AOI) Planning: What seems straightforward on paper is often more challenging in reality. Sometimes landowners say “no” and, as a result, contingency plans become necessary—leading to an expansion of the original AOI.
GIS Research: Geographic information systems (GIS) are useful for evaluating nearby landowner density, topography, and access to existing infrastructure (like transmission lines).
Landowner Engagement: Identifying a list of landowners within an AOI, establishing contact, and building relationships are key steps.
Negotiation & Contract Coordination: Someone must follow up with landowners, communicate proposed terms, and secure signed easement agreements.
Ongoing Support: Making timely payments, preparing tax documentation, and answering landowners’ questions are tasks that occur throughout the life of an easement agreement.
Some organizations manage this type of work with in-house staff, which offers greater control compared to outsourcing. Other developers prefer to partner with a third-party land services company, such as our team at New Era Land Services.
Land Services for Data Center Projects
Contact us to discuss our capabilities for data center projects. Let us handle landowner engagement, negotiation, GIS mapping, and project coordination—so you can focus on building or expanding your data center.
Learn more about our right of way solutions.