Building, permits and setbacks0 answersAI answer
My contractor says the new garage must meet the setback. What is a setback?
Asked October 25, 2026
AI answer · not yet verified by a surveyor
A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a property line, street or other feature.
- Typical types: front, side and rear yard setbacks. Others may apply near waterways or easements.
- Where they come from: city or county zoning codes, the recorded subdivision plat, and HOA covenants.
- They differ by zoning district and by type of structure. Accessory buildings such as garages and sheds often have different rules.
How to find yours:
- Look up your zoning district on the city or county website, then read the setback table.
- Check your plat, which may show building lines [1].
- Check HOA covenants.
To make sure a new building meets the setback, have a surveyor locate the lines and stake the corners of the building before construction [2].
General information only. Answers here are not a survey or legal advice, and no one here can tell you where your boundary is. For your property, hire a licensed land surveyor in your state; for legal questions, a real-estate attorney.