It’s probably a hand hole for accessing a pipe or cable junction, likely smaller because it’s where business or homes hook in. I work for an ISP, and most of ours are about this size
Setting square tiles or paving stones around a circular cover is a pain in the ass.
But it wouldn’t be the first time the US is weird, like the whole imperial measurements thing, so whatever. Or maybe you live in a state that decided square manhole covers were biblically incorrect.
I see small square junction box things like this all the time in California. Mostly in-between where two homes’ lawns meet. The one I had in my lawn before I moved to an apartment sucked because it was slightly raised from the grass and was in an awkward position to try and get the mower around.
It’s not a manhole, it’s way too small. But yeah not sure why it’s square. Could be European, they do weird stuff like that all the time.
You’re right. OP called it a manhole, so I assumed. But looking at the size compared to the foot, it’s too small to be a manhole cover.
Might be a valve or fire hydrant underneath
It’s next to a drainpipe…
It’s probably a hand hole for accessing a pipe or cable junction, likely smaller because it’s where business or homes hook in. I work for an ISP, and most of ours are about this size
Square covers like this are common globally. AFAIK also in the US:
https://manholecoversdirect.com/products/square-manhole-covers-and-frames/
Setting square tiles or paving stones around a circular cover is a pain in the ass.
But it wouldn’t be the first time the US is weird, like the whole imperial measurements thing, so whatever. Or maybe you live in a state that decided square manhole covers were biblically incorrect.
I see small square junction box things like this all the time in California. Mostly in-between where two homes’ lawns meet. The one I had in my lawn before I moved to an apartment sucked because it was slightly raised from the grass and was in an awkward position to try and get the mower around.