Judgment No. 19746 of 2024: Creation of Agricultural Access Roads and Incidental Co-ownership

The judgment No. 19746 of July 17, 2024, issued by the Court of Appeal of Potenza, addresses a topic of significant importance in agricultural and civil law: the creation of agricultural access roads and the legal consequences that arise from it. This decision highlights how the establishment of such roads not only leads to a change in land use but also the emergence of incidental co-ownership among the owners of neighboring lands.

The Concept of Incidental Co-ownership

The Court has established that the creation of an agricultural access road automatically generates incidental co-ownership. This means that no contractual or written act is necessary to give rise to such co-ownership. In fact, the mere construction of the road and the granting of portions of land by the owners of adjacent properties lead to the loss of individuality of the individual portions, creating a new asset that becomes accessory to the various properties. This situation is regulated by the principles established by Articles 817, 922, and 939 of the Civil Code.

The Maxim of the Judgment

Creation of agricultural access road - Emergence of incidental co-ownership - Methods - Effects - Collatio privatorum agrorum - Respect for social function - Existence - Contrast with Art. 42 of the Constitution - Exclusion. The creation of an agricultural access road gives rise to incidental co-ownership that derives, without the need for a contractual act, let alone a written act, from the granting of areas of land by the owners of adjacent properties and from the actual construction of the road itself, thereby determining the loss of individuality of the individual portions and the birth of a new accessory asset to the various properties, based on the principles established by Articles 817, 922, and 939 of the Civil Code; consequently, the conflict with Art. 42 of the Constitution is excluded, configuring the collatio privatorum agrorum as a widespread property characterized by the primary function of enjoyment, respectful of the reserve provided by the constitutional Charter.

This maxim represents an important reference point for understanding the dynamics of creating access roads and their relevance in the context of agricultural property. In particular, the Court's interpretation clarifies that the creation of an access road does not conflict with the principles of protection of private property, guaranteed by Art. 42 of the Constitution, as it is configured as a form of widespread property that respects the social function of the land.

Final Considerations

In conclusion, judgment No. 19746 of 2024 offers a clear and detailed view on the creation of agricultural access roads and the legal implications related to it. The incidental co-ownership that automatically arises from the creation of such roads represents a fundamental aspect for landowners and professionals in the sector to consider. It is essential that the parties involved are aware of these dynamics to avoid disputes and ensure proper management of their properties.

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