What defines an open court?

An open court is defined as a space that is not fully enclosed by buildings and allows for light and air circulation to enter. The concept of a court in building laws refers to a yard or open space that is surrounded partly by structures.

The correct answer indicates a court that is bounded on three sides by building lines, suggesting that one side remains open, allowing it to serve its purpose of providing light, air, and a sense of openness. This is essential in urban development as it influences the livability and accessibility of spaces within dense city structures. Being bounded by buildings on three sides but open on one effectively meets the criteria for an open court, promoting both functionality and compliance with building regulations.

In contrast, a court bounded on all sides would be fully enclosed, not qualifying as ‘open.’ A court with no building lines might lack proper definition or context in terms of urban planning, and a court bounded only by other open spaces does not align with typical definitions in zoning laws, which require at least some boundaries to establish the space’s limits.