Backyard

A backyard is an open ground area located at the rear of a house or residential building. It is typically a separate space set back from the street, accessed through a ground-level door or rear gate. When a house has a front yard that is visible (facade), the rear yard usually serves domestic functions: clothesline drying, storage, and activities that residents prefer not to be seen from the street.

The size and shape of a backyard depend on how the land is subdivided. Suburban houses typically have large rear plots, whereas houses in dense urban centers may have only a small pocket. In some places the rear ground ends in an alley where garbage is collected.

Common uses

Typical uses include clothesline drying, shaded sitting areas, spaces for children to play, and equipment storage. Many households use the rear plot for a small vegetable garden, fruit trees, or flowers. In many regions, backyards host small livestock such as chickens, cats, and dogs.

Somali culture and the Horn of Africa

Some Somali houses, particularly in cities, have a central courtyard or rear enclosure designed for cooking, open-air bathing, and clothes washing. This space also provides a private family sitting area, which allows women and children to be outdoors without being seen from the street. In many urban settlements, storage for small livestock is common.

Urban planning and building codes

Building codes in many countries set minimum rear setbacks and limits on the percentage of land that can be built on. Reasons include light and ventilation, protection of neighboring privacy, and access to natural air. In recent years some cities have permitted accessory dwelling units on rear plots to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Ecology

Backyards and small gardens can affect stormwater runoff, shade, and neighborhood temperature. Land with heavy paving that is regularly watered absorbs more water; certain areas therefore encourage native plants that require less water. Rear plots can also be used for composting, converting kitchen waste into soil amendment.