Setback Requirements — Phoenix, AZ
Governed by Sec. 603-5.B. Last verified May 31, 2026.
All Areas
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback | 5 feet | Detached accessory structures less than 250 sq ft Exception: May be located within 3 feet of rear property line if fire access is adequate | Sec. 603-5.B |
| Accessory Structure Side Yard Setback | 5 feet | Detached accessory structures less than 250 sq ft | Sec. 603-5.B |
| Garage Carport Front Yard Setback | 20 feet | Garage or carport facing street Exception: If garage door is not facing street, setback may be reduced to 5 feet | Sec. 603-5.A |
| Garage Carport Side And Rear Setback | 3 feet | Detached garage or carport not facing street | Sec. 603-5.A |
| Setback Exception Encroachment | Allowed up to 3 feet into front or rear setback for unenclosed porches, steps, eaves, and bay windows | For residential structures Exception: Fire escapes, chimneys, and solar panels may encroach further per code | Sec. 604-2 |
Front Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 20 feet | RSL (Residential Single Lot) zones | Sec. 603-3.A |
Rear Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 15 feet | RSL zones Exception: For lots less than 100 feet deep, rear yard may be reduced to 12% of lot depth, but not less than 10 feet | Sec. 603-3.D |
Side Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Side Yard Setback Each Side | 5 feet | RSL zones, interior lots Exception: Minimum combined side yards: 15 feet | Sec. 603-3.C |
Corner Lot
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Corner Lot Front Yard Setback | 20 feet | RSL zones, on each street frontage | Sec. 603-4 |
Official Code Language (9 sections)
Accessory structures, such as sheds and detached garages, in the rear yard must maintain a setback of at least five feet from the rear property line, per Section 603-5.B.
Similarly, accessory structures in the side yard shall have a minimum setback of five feet from the side property line, per Section 603-5.B.
Garages and carports must be set back at least twenty feet from the front property line, per Section 603-5.A.
For side and rear yards, garages and carports require a minimum setback of three feet from the property line, as per Section 603-5.A.
Notwithstanding the setback requirements, unenclosed porches, steps, eaves, and bay windows may encroach up to three feet into the required front or rear yard setback, subject to Section 604-2.
For corner lots, the minimum front yard setback on both street frontages is twenty feet, as specified in Section 603-4.
In the front yard, no building or structure shall be erected within twenty feet of the front property line, as per Section 603-3.A.
The rear yard setback shall be no less than fifteen feet from the rear property line, pursuant to Section 603-3.D.
For each side yard, a minimum setback of five feet is required from the side property line, as per Section 603-3.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to build a detached shed in my backyard. How far does it need to be from my back fence?
Your shed is an accessory structure. According to Sec. 603-5.B, it must be at least 5 feet from the rear property line. So if your back fence is on the property line, keep the shed 5 feet away.
My house is on a corner lot. Do both street-facing sides need the same setback?
Yes, for a corner lot, both front yards (street-facing sides) require a minimum 20-foot setback per Sec. 603-4. So you cannot build within 20 feet of either street property line.
I'm adding a covered front porch. Can it extend into the required front yard setback?
Yes, under the exception in Sec. 604-2, unenclosed porches can encroach up to 3 feet into the front yard setback. So if your front setback is 20 feet, your porch can be as close as 17 feet to the front property line.
How close can my garage be to my side property line?
For a garage or carport, the side and rear setback is 3 feet from the property line, per Sec. 603-5.A. So you can have a garage that is only 3 feet from your side fence line.
Sources
Data last verified: May 31, 2026
See how this works nationally: Setback Requirements Explained
This is an informational summary, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Phoenix Planning Department .
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