Setback
Definition
The minimum required distance between a property line and a building or structure, measured horizontally and perpendicular to the property line. Setbacks can be specified for front, rear, and side yards, and may vary at different building heights.
Purpose
Ensure adequate spacing between buildings, maintain privacy, create consistent streetscapes, provide emergency access, and protect utility corridors. Setbacks also help manage urban density, ensure proper ventilation and daylight access, and create buffer zones between different land uses.
Examples of Use
- Building placement on site and spatial planning.
- Urban design guidelines implementation.
- Fire safety compliance and emergency access.
- Natural ventilation and daylight optimization.
- Landscape buffer integration and streetscape design.
Related Terms
- Building Line
- Right-of-Way
- Property Boundary
- Building Envelope
- Zoning Requirements
Notes
Setbacks vary by zoning district, building type, and development context. They play a crucial role in urban form, affecting everything from pedestrian experience to building energy performance. Special setback requirements may apply near sensitive areas, major infrastructure, or heritage sites.
