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Setback Requirements — Chicago, IL

Governed by Sec. 17-5-0403. Last verified May 31, 2026.

All Areas

RequirementValueConditions / ExceptionsSource
Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback3 feetAccessory structures not exceeding 15 ft in height
Exception: Detached garages may have 3 ft setback from alley if alley is dedicated (Sec. 17-5-0403)		Sec. 17-5-0403
Accessory Structure Side Yard Setback3 feetAccessory structures not exceeding 15 ft in heightSec. 17-5-0403
Garage Carport Front Yard Setback20 feetGarage or carport facing street must be at least 20 ft from front property line
Exception: If alley access, garage entrance must face alley (Sec. 17-5-0404)		Sec. 17-5-0404
Garage Carport Rear Yard Setback3 feetDetached garage, no alley
Exception: If abutting alley, no setback from alley line required		Sec. 17-5-0404
Setback Exception ObstructionAllowed projections: eaves up to 2 ft, bay windows up to 3 ft, chimneys up to 2 ftProjections into required setback
Exception: May not project more than 1/3 of required setback width		Sec. 17-2-0308
Setback Variance ProcessZoning Board of Appeals may grant variance where practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship existsVariance required if not meeting minimum setbackSec. 17-14-0301

Front Yard

RequirementValueConditions / ExceptionsSource
Minimum Front Yard Setback15 feetRS (Residential Single-Unit) districts, building height ≤ 30 ft
Exception: On lots where existing buildings on same block have a different setback, the average may apply under Sec. 17-2-0307		Sec. 17-2-0302

Rear Yard

RequirementValueConditions / ExceptionsSource
Minimum Rear Yard Setback30 feetRS districts, principal building
Exception: For lots less than 120 ft in depth, rear yard may be reduced to 20% of lot depth but not less than 15 ft (Sec. 17-2-0304)		Sec. 17-2-0304

Side Yard

RequirementValueConditions / ExceptionsSource
Minimum Side Yard Setback5 feetRS districts, one-story building or portion of building less than 30 ft in heightSec. 17-2-0303
Minimum Side Yard Setback Combined13 feetRS districts, building height > 30 ft (two or more stories)
Exception: Width of at least one side yard must be ≥ 5 ft		Sec. 17-2-0303

Corner Lot

RequirementValueConditions / ExceptionsSource
Corner Lot Front Yard Setback15 feetBoth street frontages require a front yard setback on corner lots
Exception: The side street setback may be reduced to 10 ft if alley access is available (Sec. 17-2-0401)		Sec. 17-2-0401
Corner Lot Side Yard Setback5 feetFor interior lot line on corner lotSec. 17-2-0401
Official Code Language (12 sections)

Accessory structures, such as sheds or detached garages, must be set back at least 3 feet from the rear property line, per Section 17-5-0403.

Accessory structures must also be set back at least 3 feet from any side property line, per Section 17-5-0403.

Garages and carports shall have a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet, as required by Section 17-5-0404.

Garages and carports located in the rear yard must be set back at least 3 feet from the rear property line, per Section 17-5-0404.

Certain architectural features may project into required setbacks: eaves up to 2 feet, bay windows up to 3 feet, and chimneys up to 2 feet, as allowed by Section 17-2-0308.

The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a variance from these setback requirements upon a showing of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, per Section 17-14-0301.

For corner lots, the front yard setback on the street that the house faces shall be 15 feet, as provided in Section 17-2-0401.

For corner lots, the setback on the side street (the non-front street) shall be 5 feet, per Section 17-2-0401.

In any front yard, the minimum setback from the property line shall be 15 feet, as set forth in Section 17-2-0302.

In any rear yard, the minimum setback from the rear property line shall be 30 feet, per Section 17-2-0304.

In any side yard, the minimum setback from the side property line shall be 5 feet, per Section 17-2-0303.

The total combined width of both side yards shall not be less than 13 feet, as specified in Section 17-2-0303.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from the front property line do I need to build my new house?

The minimum front yard setback is 15 feet (Sec. 17-2-0302). If you have a corner lot, the side facing the street you consider the front also requires 15 feet (Sec. 17-2-0401).

Can I put a shed in my backyard? How close to the fence can it be?

Yes, but your shed (an accessory structure) must be at least 3 feet from the rear property line and 3 feet from the side property line (Sec. 17-5-0403). So if your fence is right on the property line, keep the shed at least 3 feet away.

My lot is only 40 feet wide. Can I build a house that's 30 feet wide?

Possibly, but you need to meet both the individual side yard setback of 5 feet per side and the combined total of 13 feet (Sec. 17-2-0303). A 30-foot-wide house on a 40-foot lot would leave 5 feet on each side — that meets the 5-foot minimum, but the combined total is only 10 feet, which is less than the required 13 feet. So you'd need to make the house narrower, like 27 feet, to have 6.5 feet on each side (totaling 13).

I want to add a bay window that sticks out 4 feet. Can I do that if my current setback is only 10 feet?

No, because the maximum projection for a bay window is 3 feet into the setback (Sec. 17-2-0308). If your house is 10 feet from the property line, a bay window could come as close as 7 feet (10 - 3 = 7), but the window itself must stay within the 3-foot limit. A 4-foot projection would violate the rule. You could consider applying for a variance (Sec. 17-14-0301).

Sources

Data last verified: May 31, 2026

Other Regulations in Chicago

Fence Regulations

See how this works nationally: Setback Requirements Explained

This is an informational summary, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Chicago Planning Department .

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