Equestrian Easements

The majority of properties in the Diamond A Ranch Estates have equestrian easements on one or more sides. These easements were created when the Diamond A Ranch Estates were first developed. Over the past 50 years, the easements have been the basis for the recreational riding and hiking trails that have been enjoyed by members of the Diamond A community.
 
Owners of properties that include recreational easements must not construct any barriers that prevent use of the easements. Barriers include fences (unless unlocked gates allow for passage), buildings, excavations, and landscaping. If a property owner constructs such a barrier, a violation can be filed at Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management by any resident of any unit in the Diamond A Ranch Estates, by any member of the Diamond A Recreation Association, or by the Board of the Diamond A Neighborhood Association. 
 

Easement maps

   Diamond A Easement Map, May 2021 (Easements indicated in red lines)
   Recreational Easements in Diamond A, November, 2024 (Easements indicated in green lines; access limited to members only)

All easements are documented on maps filed with the Sonoma County Recorder's office. 
Note that there are no equestrian easements in Unit 4.

How to interpret easement maps

All deeds for properties in the Diamond A Ranch Estates reference one of the maps retained by the Sonoma County Recorder’s Office. For example, “Lot 24, as shown upon the map entitled "Map of Diamond A Ranch Estates Unit 5, Sonoma County, California," filed December 29, 1966 in Book 113 of Maps at page 25-31, inclusive, Sonoma County Records”. Examination of page 31 of Book 113 shows that Lot 24 turns out to have an equestrian easement on its southern border and on its eastern border.
 
The text of the “Grant Deed” for Lot 24 may never mention the term “Equestrian Easement”, but reference to the map reveals a notation of “P. Eq. E” which “Indicates private equestrian easement only for the benefit of Diamond A Ranch Estates property owners and members of the Diamond A Riding and Racquet Club Inc. (not offered for dedication)”. The Diamond ‘A’ Riding and Racquet Club became the Diamond A Recreation Association.