A setback is the minimum distance between a building and a property line, established by local zoning ordinances.
Front setback: 15-30 ft typical residential. Side setback: 5-15 ft residential, often 0 in commercial. Rear setback: 15-25 ft residential with reduced allowances for accessory structures.
On a 60x120 ft lot with 25 ft front, 20 ft rear, 5 ft side setbacks, only 52% of the lot is buildable.
Two street-facing setbacks reduce buildable area. Sight triangle requirements further constrain building placement.
Requires hardship unique to the property, not self-created, minimum relief necessary. Board of Adjustment hearing, $500-$2,000 fees, 60-120 days.