Opinion ID: 2033144
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Expansion Issue.

Text: The Skows argue the easement is no longer 16½-feet wide but has been expanded by several feet by prescription or acquiescence primarily because there are years and years of a history of known utilities running along this easement, and these poles expand the easement. We reject these arguments. As to the argument that the boundary was moved by acquiescence, the Skows presented no evidence that the Goforths or their predecessors treated the utility-pole line as the easement boundary as required by Iowa Code section 650.14 (1997) (providing for establishment of boundary by acquiescence). Acquiescence is defined as the mutual recognition by two adjoining landowners for ten years or more that a line, definitely marked by fence or in some manner, is the dividing line between them. Acquiescence exists when both parties acknowledge and treat the line as the boundary. When the acquiescence persists for ten years the line becomes the true boundary even though a survey may show otherwise and even though neither party intended to claim more than called for by his deed. Egli v. Troy, 602 N.W.2d 329, 333 (Iowa 1999) (quoting Ollinger v. Bennett, 562 N.W.2d 167, 170 (Iowa 1997)). It is clear the Goforths did not acquiesce in a boundary beyond the 16½ feet. In fact, they placed boulders approximately 16½ feet from the southern boundary line, so a wider passageway could not be used. We reject the Skows' prescription argument as well. We know of no authority, and the Skows have not cited any, to support an argument that their easement for ingress and egress may be piggybacked onto an easement granted for the benefit of another party, here, a utility company, for a totally different purpose the transmission of energy. We vacate the decision of the court of appeals and affirm the judgment of the district court. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED; JUDGMENT OF DISTRICT COURT AFFIRMED. All justices concur except LAVORATO, J., who takes no part.