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Setbacks

GENERAL SETBACK INFORMATION

DEFINITIONS
REQUIREMENTS
FRONT YARD SETBACKS
REAR YARD SETBACKS
SIDE YARD SETBACKS

DEFINITIONS:

Principal Building
     "Principal building" means the specific primary purpose for which the property is used.  For residential districts, and for purposes of this information packet, the Principal Building is the house and includes attached decks, patios and porches.

Accessory Building
    "Accessory building" means any building or structure which is subordinate in purpose, area and extent to the principal building; contributes to the reasonable and necessary comfort, convenience and needs of the occupants of the principal building; and is located on the same lot as the principal building.  This includes detached garages, sheds, gazebos, playhouses and other detached structures including those that do not require a building permit for construction.

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SETBACK REQUIREMENTS

Structures, which are less than 24" above grade, may be placed anywhere on the property except in easements.

Structures which are 24" or more above grade must be placed at minimum setback distances away from property lines, dependant upon the zone district in which they are located as specified in the Longmont Municipal Code Section 15.05.010, or the requirements of the subdivision.

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ZONE DISTRICT SETBACK FROM PROPERTY LINE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Front Yard Setbacks From Property Line:

Please note:

• Building codes and site design standards may require setbacks greater than the minimums listed above. Applicants should consult with the Building Inspection Division prior to development.
• A garage shall be no closer than the Principal Building to the front lot line.
• Cornices, canopies, eaves or similar architectural features may extend into a required yard not more than two feet.

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Minimum Rear Yard Setback:

• Principal residential structure - 20' minimum in E1, E2, R1, R2, R3, RLE.
• Principal and accessory non-residential building - 25' minimum in E1, E2, R1, R2, R3, RLE.
• Detached garage with rear alley access:

1. If alley ROW is 20' or more: 6' in E1, E2, R1, R2, R3, RLE.
2. If alley ROW is less than 20': 10' in E1, E2, R1, R2, R3, RLE.

• If entrance does not face alley, (i.e. side load), the detached garage setback is 5 feet.

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Minimum Side Yard setbacks:

• One foot away from property line for every 2 1/2 feet or fraction thereof of building height.  Height being measured from distance of the highest eave to ridge measured from the highest ground level around the structure.
  

Note: If Accessory buildings or Detached Garages are within six feet (6') of the Principal Building, then the minimum side yard setbacks of the Principal Building are used.

PLEASE NOTE:  If the property is in a Planed Unit Development District (PUD), the Setbacks are as specified on the Plat Map for the development. Call Building Inspection (303) 651-8332, or Planning (303) 651-8330 for setback information.

Easements: Buildings shall not be located within any easement of record.  Buildings and other structures located in easements may be removed and/or demolished by the easement grantee without reimbursement.  Check your recorded deed or subdivision records for any easements.

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Last Updated: 11/14/07