What can we do on a corner lot?

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Q. I just bought a house on a corner lot. I’ve heard that there are rules and regulations regarding a pool and other recreational equipment on a corner lot. Could you tell me what the regulations are for my town?

A. There used to be a commercial for cigarettes, of all things, that announced. “It’s what’s up front that counts.” It was referring to tobacco, but the same phrase is applicable here. Municipalities are very protective of community rights when it comes to open space — especially front yards — which affects our property values, first impressions, safety and economy. Corner lots have much more exposure and open space, and most people I speak with are surprised to learn that the side street yard isn’t a side yard. It’s a front yard. Corner properties have two front yards. If the lot is at the end of a block, with the backyard facing a street as well, then there are three front yards. If it’s on an island, there can be four front yards, and if it’s floating in space, there are even more, but that rarely happens unless your medication needs regulating.

Fixed, constructed items, such as pools, trellises, walls, sign posts, barbecues, benches, fences over 4 feet — or 2½ feet within 20 feet of the corner — require a permit application in your town and in most municipalities. Sometimes the object just appears one day and nobody says a word, even for years. When it’s noticed, warnings or violations may be issued. A pool will be noticed, so you’re required to file plans and application documents. Plans need to show the way the pool is constructed in a cross-section, the shape and dimensions, with decks, paving, drainage, filter and equipment location, a plot plan showing the location, which in your case can’t be closer than 4 feet from any property line.

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