What is the statutory period for obtaining a prescriptive easement in Utah?

In Utah, the statutory period required to establish a prescriptive easement is indeed 20 years. This means that, for a person to claim a prescriptive easement over another's property, they must demonstrate continuous and uninterrupted use of the property in a manner that is open, notorious, and adverse to the rights of the true owner for a period of 20 years. This period is designed to provide a clear time frame within which rights can be established, balancing the interests of property owners with those seeking to utilize land that does not belong to them.

The requirement of 20 years emphasizes the importance of both the duration of the use and the nature of the use being well-established and sufficiently visible to notify the property owner of the claim being made. This statutory time frame helps ensure that property rights are not unduly challenged after a significant period of time has passed, thus providing certainty and stability in land ownership.