In planned unit developments, owners typically own their own houses and the lots upon which they sit. The association's common areas will often consist of the following:

• streets (in gated communities)
• sidewalks
• greenbelts
• clubhouses
• swimming pools
• golf course
• equestrian facilities
• tennis courts
• lakes
• hiking trails
• front gate facilities
• perimeter fencing

See common area definition in the Davis-Stirling Act: Civil Code §1351(b) The common areas in condominiums is different than planned developments.