Common ground is the land set aside for open space, including storm water, retention lakes, ponds, or recreational use for the owners of lots in a subdivision, conveyed in trust for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of the lot owners. Playgrounds and parks are common ground areas in private subdivisions. Portions of the annual and special assessments are typically allocated for the maintenance and upkeep of irrigation systems and other areas of the common ground.
Often times, a house may be adjacent to undeveloped property, owned by someone else, which is not within the common ground of the subdivision. It is important to note that this property may be developed in the future. During future development, the property could be rezoned.