Setback Requirements — Los Angeles, CA
Governed by Sec. 12.08 C.21. Last verified May 31, 2026.
All Areas
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Yard Setback Minimum | 15 feet | Exception: In the R1 zone, if 40% or more of lots on the same block front have lesser setbacks, the minimum may be the average of those existing setbacks. | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Front Yard Setback Minimum | 15 feet | Exception: For lots with a depth of less than 100 feet, the front yard may be reduced to 10 feet. | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Setback Exception For Porches And Stairs | Unenclosed steps, porches, landings, and stoops may project up to 6 feet into the required front or rear yard setback | — | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Setback Exceptions For Projecting Features | Eaves, fireplaces, bay windows may project up to 2 feet into required setback | — | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Setback Variance Process | Subject to approval by the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners or the Zoning Administrator | When strict compliance would cause practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship | Sec. 12.27 |
Corner Lot
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Side Yard Setback | 5 feet minimum on each interior side | Applies to residential zones | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Street Side Yard Setback | Same as front yard setback for the zone | The side abutting the street is considered a front yard for setback purposes. | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
accessory_structure
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Structure Rear And Side Setback | 3 feet from side and rear property lines | For accessory structures not attached to the main building Exception: If the accessory structure is closer than 6 feet to the main building, it must comply with the same setbacks as the main building. | Sec. 12.08 C.21 |
garage_carport
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Carport Front Setback | 20 feet from front property line or as required by front yard setback, whichever is greater | Garage door opening facing the street | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Garage Carport Side Rear Setback | 5 feet from side and rear property lines | Accessory garages and carports | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
residential
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Yard Setback Minimum | 15 feet | Applies to R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 zones Exception: Reduced to 10 feet if there is an alley at the rear of the lot. | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Side Yard Setback Combined Minimum | 10 feet total | Applies to R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 zones | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
| Side Yard Setback Each Side | 5 feet minimum on each side | Applies to R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 zones | Sec. 12.08 C.2 |
Official Code Language (13 sections)
Accessory structures, such as sheds or detached garages, shall be no closer than three (3) feet from the side and rear property lines, per Section 12.08 C.21.
No building or structure shall be located within fifteen (15) feet of the front property line in all zones, as set forth in Section 12.08 C.2.
No building or structure shall be located within fifteen (15) feet of the front property line in all zones, as set forth in Section 12.08 C.2.
Unenclosed steps, porches, landings, and stoops may project up to six (6) feet into the required front or rear yard setback, per Section 12.08 C.2.
Eaves, fireplaces, bay windows, and similar architectural projections may encroach up to two (2) feet into any required setback, as allowed by Section 12.08 C.2.
A variance from these setback requirements may be granted only upon application and approval by the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners or the Zoning Administrator, as described in Section 12.27.
On corner lots, each interior side yard (the side not facing a street) shall have a minimum setback of five (5) feet, as stated in Section 12.08 C.2.
On corner lots, the street side yard setback shall be the same as the front yard setback for the zone, which is fifteen (15) feet, per Section 12.08 C.2.
Garages and carports must be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the front property line, or the required front yard setback (15 feet), whichever is greater, as per Section 12.08 C.2.
Garages and carports shall maintain a minimum setback of five (5) feet from side and rear property lines, per Section 12.08 C.2.
In residential zones, the rear yard shall have a minimum depth of fifteen (15) feet, measured from the rear property line, as per Section 12.08 C.2.
The total combined width of both side yards in residential zones shall be no less than ten (10) feet, per Section 12.08 C.2.
In residential zones, each side yard shall have a minimum depth of five (5) feet, as specified in Section 12.08 C.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from the front property line can I build my main house?
You need a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet from the front property line (Sec. 12.08 C.2). So your house walls must be at least 15 feet back from the street edge of your lot.
I have a corner lot. What are the setbacks on the side that faces a street?
For a corner lot, the street side yard setback is the same as the front yard setback—15 feet (Sec. 12.08 C.2). That means the side of your house facing the side street also must be at least 15 feet from that property line.
Can I build a shed or small workshop in my backyard? How close can it be to the fence?
Yes, accessory structures (like sheds, detached garages, etc.) must be at least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines (Sec. 12.08 C.21). So if your shed is near the back fence, leave at least 3 feet of space.
I want to add a front porch. Can it be closer to the street than the house?
Yes, unenclosed porches, steps, and stoops can project up to 6 feet into the required front yard setback (Sec. 12.08 C.2). So if your house is set back 15 feet, your porch can be as close as 9 feet from the front property 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 Los Angeles Planning Department .
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