A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT IS AN AGREEMENT RESTRICTING THE USE OF REAL PROPERTY OR THE BUILDINGS THAT MAY BE ERECTED THEREUPON.

This agreement is usually expressed by the creation of a specific covenant, reservation or exception in a deed. In order for the Grantor (Seller) to enforce this covenant against subsequent owners, the covenant must run with the land.

Some examples of restrictive covenants imposed on suburban subdivision land might include one or several of the following:

Operation of a business or conducting commercial activity is prohibited

No hogs, chickens, cattle or emus may be residenced on the premises

No more than two domesticated animals (i.e., dogs, cats, etc.) may be kept in one household

No satellite dish for the facilitation of television reception is permitted on the premises

The Architectural Control Committee must expressly approve all outwardly visible improvements to the property, including, but not limited to exterior paint color, additions, improvements, changes in elevation, erection of fences, etc.