Examples of Various Scenarios Under Our Front Setback Recommendations

For single small lots, we recommend reducing minimum front setbacks for homes to 5 ft and to allow covered porches that are open on three sides to encroach 5 ft into the setback.

1. House set back 10 ft

No porch

2. House set back 10 ft

5 ft-deep porch

3. House set back 15 ft

10 ft-deep porch

Allowed to encroach 5 ft into setback: Porches open on three sides

Notes

Not allowed to encroach 5 ft into setback: Recessed porches

  • The above scenarios are just some of many that involve homes being anywhere as close as 10’ to the front property line.

  • It’s unlikely, but possible, a home with a porch would have a 10 ft setback because that would allow only 5 ft for the porch.