Is it legal to open a business on a private road?

Answer 1

Answer 1

A private road is open to the general public. When a road is private, all it means is that it is not maintained by the city or government and is maintained by those who use it. The "private" part of the name doesn't mean nobody can use it, it means privately owned - like a privatised corporation - something run by the public not the government.

However, a business should make sure that the road can be used for commercial purposes. Private roads are processed and approved by the court, because of planning regulations and the fine line between the definition of private and public roads. A business needs to check with the court that the road can be used commercially. if the commercial business attracts too many visitors then the court may decide to make a part of the private road a public road.

Seek a lawyer if you need advice.

Answer 2

Only in certain conditions. The easiest way to gain access to a private road is to buy an easement from the private road's owner. If there is no way to access the property other than by using the private road and the owner denies you the right to use it, you MAY be able to sue for a prescriptive easement in court for the extent of the private road necessary to access your property. However, before engaging in any legal activities, please consult with a lawyer. Additionally, this answer does not create or imply any attorney-client relationship or confidentiality.