Are buildings on the same lot assumed to have an imaginary line between them?

In the context of building codes and zoning regulations, it is common to consider that buildings located on the same lot are seen as having an imaginary line separating them. This assumption serves various legal and regulatory purposes, such as determining property boundaries, establishing setbacks, and ensuring compliance with local zoning laws. The invisible line concept allows for the application of rules that govern structures on a single parcel of land as if they existed on separate parcels.

For instance, in practical terms, this concept helps in assessing whether each building meets fire and safety regulations, as well as other local building codes, that might require certain distances between structures to prevent fire spread or ensure adequate light and air access. In addition, by treating them as if separated by imaginary lines, inspectors can evaluate the buildings individually for compliance with relevant standards and interactions with each other, such as drainage and utilities.

Moreover, visualizing this separation aids in the interpretation of zoning ordinances, which often require specific setbacks from property lines irrespective of whether multiple buildings occupy one lot or multiple adjacent lots. The standard assumption greatly simplifies the inspection processes and legal interpretations surrounding the structures on a single property.