Private open space (POS)

Private open space (POS)

A plain English explanation of this ACT planning and property term.

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Legal Meaning

Private open space means an outdoor area within a block useable for outdoor living activities and may incorporate planting area. Private open space may also include balconies, terraces or decks but does not include any area required to be provided for the parking of motor vehicles and any common driveways and common vehicle manoeuvring areas.

Plain English

Private open space is outdoor space set aside for the private use of the dwelling's occupants for activities such as sitting, playing, gardening or outdoor dining. It can include usable balconies, terraces or decks and may overlap with planting area. Required parking spaces, common driveways and shared vehicle-manoeuvring areas do not count. Not every part of a backyard automatically satisfies the detailed size, shape, access or sunlight requirements for required POS.