# Setback

A setback is the minimum distance a building must sit from a property line, street, or other feature under the zoning code. Also called building setback or required yard.

Data as of Oct 11, 2026. Page: https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/setback/

## What it is

Zoning codes set front, side, and rear setbacks for each district, sometimes larger next to homes, highways, or streams. With height and lot coverage, setbacks decide how much building fits on a lot.

## What it tells you

A setback request shows a project is being designed down to its footprint. Requests to reduce setbacks often point to tight infill sites, cell towers, or solar farms with buffer rules.

## How it moves through a city or county

1. Setbacks are written into the zoning code for each district.
2. Staff check them during site plan or building plan review.
3. An owner who cannot meet one can ask the board of adjustment for a variance.
4. A PUD or development agreement can set different setbacks for a whole project.

The distances and how they are measured differ by city, district, and lot type. Some places call them yards or let staff approve small reductions.

Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.

## Find it on Boardwalk

Search Boardwalk for "setback" to find variance and waiver requests. [Start free trial](https://boardwalkai.com/auth/signup/)

## Related terms

- [Zoning variance](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/zoning-variance/): A zoning variance lets one property depart from a zoning rule, such as a setback, when following it would cause a hardship.
- [Easement](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/easement/): An easement lets someone use part of another owner's land for a set purpose, such as a utility line or drainage.
- [Site plan](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/site-plan/): A site plan is a drawing of a project on its lot, showing buildings, parking, access, and landscaping, reviewed against the code.

## Common questions

### What is the difference between a setback and an easement?

A setback is a zoning rule about where buildings can sit on a lot. An easement is someone else's right to use part of the land, such as for a utility line, and it can also limit where you build.

### Can a setback be changed?

A setback can usually be changed through a variance for one property, or through a PUD, overlay district, or code change for a larger area. Some codes also let staff approve small reductions.

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## How to cite

Source: Boardwalk, "Setback", boardwalkai.com/glossary/setback/, data as of Oct 11, 2026.

How we count: https://boardwalkai.com/coverage/#how-we-count