Understanding Setbacks: Why They Matter in Development

Setbacks are one of the main items you need to review when looking into any type of project.

What is a setback?

A setback is the minimum horizontal distance required between a structure and a property line, street line, or designated natural resource, as prescribed by the zoning regulations. Setbacks are established to regulate building placement, preserve orderly development patterns, and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Compliance with front, side, and rear yard setbacks is required prior to the issuance of zoning permits and during site plan review.

Every zoning district has its own setback requirements—front, side, and rear—which determine where you can place buildings or additions on a site.

It is important to know where your property lines are. If you don’t know, I highly recommend having a survey of your property completed by a professional surveyor in the state of CT. This will be beneficial to not only know where your setbacks are, but if you want to place a shed on your property, build a deck or pool, or build an addition, you will most likely be required to provide a survey of your property when submitting applications.