---
title: "Setbacks Explained: Front, Side and Rear Yard Rules for Homeowners"
description: "What a setback is, how cities measure it from the property line (not the curb), real numbers for houses and sheds, and the 5-foot fire rule."
url: https://yespermit.com/guides/setbacks-explained/
updated: 2026-10-13
language: en-US
---

# Setbacks explained

A setback is the minimum distance between a structure and a property line, set by your city's zoning code for the front, side and rear of the lot. It is measured from the property line, not from the curb, sidewalk or fence. Numbers vary by zone and by structure: sheds and garages often have their own, smaller setbacks.

*Updated October 13, 2026. Every regulatory fact below links to its official source.*

## Key facts

- Bellevue, Washington, defines it as a space in which no structures may be located, except where the land use code specifically allows them.[^1]
- Palmview, Texas, explains that a setback is measured from the lot line to the nearest point of the structure, perpendicular to the property line, and to always measure from the lot line and not the back of the curb or sidewalk.[^2]
- Brighton, Colorado, reminds homeowners that existing fences do not always constitute actual property lines, that property lines can be verified with a certified boundary survey, and that knowing where the line is remains the homeowner's responsibility.[^4]
- In Florida, when an HOA's covenants do not set specific setbacks, the county or city setbacks apply, and the association may not enforce a setback inconsistent with them.[^6]
- Washoe County, Nevada, lists setback violations among the projects that may be denied a permit, and says a demolition permit may be required to bring the property into compliance.[^5]

**We handle the permit. You build.** All-in, until approved: $399 (Fall 2026 launch price, valid through November 30, 2026; regular price $499), approved or your money back ([conditions](https://yespermit.com/guarantee/)): [order](https://yespermit.com/all-in/). Prefer to file it yourself? [Permit Kit](https://yespermit.com/permit-kit/), $349.

## What is a setback?

A setback is a strip along each property line where you may not build. Bellevue, Washington, defines it as a space in which no structures may be located, except where the land use code specifically allows them[^1]. Every lot has three kinds:

- **Front setback**, along the street side;
- **Side setbacks**, along the side property lines;
- **Rear setback**, along the line opposite the front.

Bellevue gives a typical example for its R-5 residential district: 20 feet in front, 20 feet in the rear, and side setbacks of at least 5 feet on one side with both sides totaling 15 feet[^1]. Another zone in the same city, the Office district, requires 30, 25 and 20 feet[^1]. Same city, different numbers: the zone of your lot decides.

## Where is a setback measured from?

From the property line, never from what you see on the ground. Palmview, Texas, explains that a setback is measured from the lot line to the nearest point of the structure, perpendicular to the property line, and to always measure from the lot line and not the back of the curb or sidewalk[^2].

Front lines are the trap. Bellevue warns that the public right of way can contain unimproved shoulders, so you should not assume your property line is at the edge of the sidewalk or curb: typically, it is several feet from the road[^1].

Fences are the second trap. Brighton, Colorado, reminds homeowners that existing fences do not always constitute actual property lines, that property lines can be verified with a certified boundary survey, and that knowing where the line is remains the homeowner's responsibility[^4].

> **Measure twice**
> A shed placed 3 feet from an old fence is not 3 feet from the property line if the fence stands a foot inside the lot, or outside it. The city measures from the line on the survey.

## Which side is the front on a corner lot?

Bellevue's rule, as an example: if two public streets meet at the corner, a front setback is required along each of them; of the two other lines, the one most distant from a front is the rear and the other is a side[^1]. Your city's code may say it differently, so check before you place a structure near either street.

## Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Detached structures often have their own setbacks, usually smaller than the house's. Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a clear example[^3]:

| Rule in Saint Paul | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| Where accessory buildings may stand | Not in a required front or side yard; allowed in a required rear yard |
| Distance from interior lot lines | At least 3 feet |
| Overhangs | At least 1/3 of the wall's setback, or 1 foot, whichever is greater |
| Height without a dwelling unit | 18 feet, or 15 feet with a flat or shed roof |
| Height with a dwelling unit | 25 feet |

Bellevue lets accessory structures sit within 5 feet of the rear property line, and in some cases all the way to the rear or side line[^1]. The point is not the number in another city: it is that your city has one, and that the shed, the garage and the house can each have a different one.

## Not a zoning rule, but just as strict: the 5-foot fire rule

Building codes add their own distances. Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry summarizes the residential code's rule (IRC Section R302.1 and Table R302.1(1)): exterior walls less than 5 feet from the property line must be 1-hour fire-resistive rated, and roof eave projections that are 2 feet or more and less than 5 feet from the property line must be too[^8]. A garage wall built 4 feet from the line can therefore pass zoning and still need a fire-rated wall.

## What can stick into a setback?

Some elements are allowed to intrude. In Bellevue, minor building elements such as eaves, decks, porches, patios or chimneys may extend into a setback: anywhere if they are less than 30 inches above grade, and at most 20 percent of the setback or 18 inches, whichever is greater, if they are 30 inches or higher[^1]. Retaining walls 30 inches or taller are not minor elements there[^1]. These allowances are city-specific: read your own code's list.

## Setbacks in HOAs and old plats

Setbacks can come from more than one rulebook. Bellevue notes that plat conditions sometimes require more restrictive setbacks[^1]. In Florida, when an HOA's covenants do not set specific setbacks, the county or city setbacks apply, and the association may not enforce a setback inconsistent with them[^6]. See [HOA approval vs city permit](https://yespermit.com/guides/hoa-vs-city-permit/).

## What happens if you build inside a setback?

It is one of the few problems a permit cannot fix. Washoe County, Nevada, lists setback violations among the projects that may be denied a permit, and says a demolition permit may be required to bring the property into compliance[^5]. It also follows the house: California's transfer disclosure statement asks the seller about "violations of 'setback' requirements"[^7].

The alternative is a variance. Bellevue describes it as relief from code requirements that must satisfy very specific criteria[^1]. Expect a separate application and no guarantee.

## Get the distances right the first time

Your permit file from YesPermit starts with your city's zoning rules for your lot, with the code section and link, then a site plan that shows your structure and its distances to every property line. You confirm the property lines from your survey or plat; we draw it the way the reviewer checks it.

**We handle the permit. You build.** All-in, until approved: $399 (Fall 2026 launch price, valid through November 30, 2026; regular price $499), approved or your money back ([conditions](https://yespermit.com/guarantee/)): [order](https://yespermit.com/all-in/). Prefer to file it yourself? [Permit Kit](https://yespermit.com/permit-kit/), $349.

## Common questions

### Is the setback measured from the curb or the sidewalk?

No. Palmview, Texas, tells residents to always measure from the lot line and not the back of the curb or sidewalk. Bellevue, Washington, adds that your front property line is typically several feet from the road improvements.

### How close to the property line can I put a shed?

It depends on your city and zone. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, accessory buildings must be set back at least 3 feet from all interior lot lines, and in Bellevue, Washington, accessory structures can be placed within 5 feet of the rear property line. Check your own code before you pick the spot.

### Is my fence on the property line?

Not necessarily. Brighton, Colorado, warns that existing fences do not always constitute actual property lines and that knowing where the line is remains the homeowner's responsibility. A boundary survey settles it.

### What if I already built inside the setback?

Washoe County, Nevada, lists setback violations among the cases where a permit may be denied, and says a demolition permit may be required to bring the property into compliance. A variance is sometimes possible, under strict criteria.

## Get it done

**We handle the permit. You build.** All-in, until approved: $399 (Fall 2026 launch price, valid through November 30, 2026; regular price $499), approved or your money back ([conditions](https://yespermit.com/guarantee/)): [order](https://yespermit.com/all-in/). Prefer to file it yourself? [Permit Kit](https://yespermit.com/permit-kit/), $349.

## Sources

[^1]: [City of Bellevue, Washington, Building Setbacks](https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/zoning-and-land-use/zoning-requirements/building-setbacks), checked October 13, 2026.
[^2]: [City of Palmview, Texas, How do I measure a setback?](https://cityofpalmview.gov/question/how-do-i-measure-a-setback/), checked October 13, 2026.
[^3]: [City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Planning and Economic Development, Accessory Buildings (zoning Sec. 63.501)](https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/planning/current-activities/1-6-unit-housing/accessory-buildings), checked October 13, 2026.
[^4]: [City of Brighton, Colorado, Site Plan Illustration Checklist & Example](https://brightonco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31194), checked October 13, 2026.
[^5]: [Washoe County, Nevada, Building Program, Work Done Without A Permit](https://washoecounty.gov/building/getting_started/unpermitted_work.php), checked October 13, 2026.
[^6]: [Florida Statutes §720.3035, Architectural control covenants; parcel owner improvements](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/Sections/0720.3035.html), checked October 13, 2026.
[^7]: [California Department of Real Estate, Disclosures in Real Property Transactions (6th edition, 2005), Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement](https://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/re6.pdf), checked October 13, 2026.
[^8]: [Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Barndominiums/shouses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (R302.1, Table R302.1(1))](https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fs-barndominiums.pdf), checked October 13, 2026.

---

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