Legal Definitions - setback

Definition: Setback refers to the distance a building must be from the street as required by zoning laws. It is the area measured from the property line to any structure within which building is prohibited, but which may include driveway areas or other similar surface improvements. Setbacks are established by local governments through ordinances, zoning regulations, and building codes for public policy reasons like safety, privacy, and environmental protection.

• If the zoning calls for a 10-foot setback, there must be at least 10 feet between the street and any house or building.
• A homeowner wants to build a fence around their property, but the zoning laws require a 5-foot setback from the property line. This means the fence must be at least 5 feet away from the property line.

These examples illustrate how setbacks are used to regulate the distance between buildings and the street or property line. They ensure that buildings are not too close to the street or neighboring properties, which can help protect privacy, prevent overcrowding, and promote safety.