Legal Definitions - square

A "square" commonly refers to a defined parcel of land within a city, often synonymous with a block, which may be designated for public use such as a park or plaza. In a distinct context, it also describes a specific large area measuring 24 by 24 miles used in government land surveys.

In a legal context, the term square refers to several distinct types of land divisions or public spaces, depending on the specific situation:

• A Defined Parcel of Land within a City: This refers to a specific block of land, typically surrounded by streets, within an urban area. It's a common unit for urban planning and property ownership.

  • Example 1: A real estate developer purchased an entire square of undeveloped land in the downtown district, intending to construct a new mixed-use building complex that would occupy the entire block.
  • Explanation: Here, "square" refers to the specific parcel of land, bordered by streets, that the developer acquired for their project, aligning with the definition of a city block.
  • Example 2: The city council debated a proposal to rezone a particular square in the historic district to allow for taller buildings, sparking discussions among local residents about preserving the area's character.
  • Explanation: In this scenario, "square" denotes a specific, identifiable block of land within the city that is subject to zoning regulations and community interest.

• A Public Open Space: This refers to an open area within a town or city that is designated for public use, such as a park, plaza, or gathering place. These spaces often serve as focal points for community events or recreation.

  • Example 1: The annual summer music festival was held in the city's main square, drawing large crowds to enjoy live performances and local food vendors.
  • Explanation: Here, "square" signifies a designated public area, often paved or landscaped, that is used for community gatherings and events.
  • Example 2: After extensive renovations, the old courthouse square was reopened to the public, featuring new walking paths, benches, and a fountain, providing a tranquil green space in the urban core.
  • Explanation: This example illustrates a "square" as a public space set aside for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, accessible to all citizens.

• A Large Land Division in Government Surveys: In the context of governmental land surveys, particularly in the United States Public Land Survey System, a "square" can refer to a very large area of land measuring 24 miles by 24 miles. This larger unit is often composed of 16 standard survey townships (each 6 miles by 6 miles).

  • Example 1: When mapping vast tracts of federal land for conservation purposes, geographers often refer to specific 24-by-24-mile squares to delineate major regions and coordinate survey efforts.
  • Explanation: This use of "square" refers to a precise, large-scale land division used by government agencies for systematic surveying and mapping of extensive territories.
  • Example 2: Historical land patents from the 19th century sometimes described property boundaries by referencing their location within a particular 24-by-24-mile square, which helped establish the initial framework for land ownership.
  • Explanation: Here, "square" denotes a foundational unit in historical land surveys, used to organize and describe large areas of land before more detailed subdivisions were established.