What are surface rights?

Surface rights refer specifically to the rights associated with the use, control, and enjoyment of the land's surface. This includes the ability to build structures, cultivate crops, or use the land for various purposes such as residential, commercial, or agricultural activities. By focusing on what is above the ground, surface rights do not extend to what lies beneath the surface, such as minerals or subsoil rights, nor do they encompass air rights unless specifically delineated.

The correct choice clarifies that these rights pertain to everything happening on the surface, emphasizing the distinction from rights associated with the land below it or any airspace above it. Understanding surface rights is crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions, land use planning, or property management, as it determines the legal permissions and limitations when utilizing a piece of land.