Section 2(1)(cn) in Kerala Municipality Building Rules, 1999
(cn)"yard" means an open space at ground level between a building and the adjoining boundary lines of the plot unoccupied and unobstructed except by encroachment of structures specially permitted by these rules on the same plot with a building. All yard measurements shall be the minimum distance between the front, rear and side yard plot boundaries, as the case may be, and the nearest point of the building including enclosed porches. Every part of yard shall be accessible from every part of the same yard.