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The Daily Insight

How close can you build to property line Houston?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Updated on April 28, 2026

three feet
The City of Houston requires a minimum setback of three feet from the rear property line for all properties, except under the following circumstances: A front-facing garage which is located with its rear wall at the alley may have a zero-foot setback.

What is the setback distance?

In land use, a setback is the minimum distance which a building or other structure must be set back from a street or road, a river or other stream, a shore or flood plain, or any other place which is deemed to need protection.

How is setback measured?

General. “Setback” is the minimum distance any building or structure must be separated from a lot line. Front, rear, and side yard setbacks are measured from the existing right-of-way, access easement, or property line, and then in a straight line to the closest point of the building or structure.

What is side setback?

Side setback means the shortest distance between the building setback line and the side lot line.

How is side yard setback measured?

The side yard setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the side property line of the parcel to the nearest line of the structure; establishing a setback line parallel to the side property line, which extends between the front and rear yards.

What is minimum lot size?

Minimum lot size is defined as the minimum size of a lot allowed for constructing a specific dwelling type. For example, a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for single-family homes means that a single-family home can’t legally be constructed on any lot smaller than 5,000 square feet.

How close can you build to a side boundary?

Single story extensions to the side of your property to be no more than four meters in height and no wider than half the original size of the property. For those building a double extension on their property, you cannot go closer than seven meters to the boundary.

What is setback rules?

Setback can be explained as the minimum open space required around any building or structure. Municipal regulations provide that a specific distance should be maintained between a building and the boundary of the plot on which the building is being constructed.

What are the setback requirements for new construction in Houston TX?

Chapter 42, Section 42-150 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances provides a detailed description of the building setback requirements for all new plats. In general, the size of the setback heavily depends on the proposed use (single family vs commercial) and the Classification of the Street adjacent to the property line.

What is the minimum side setback for development?

Generally, the minimum side setback for development is 900m (read about exceptions to this below). Depending on the lot width, a house or outbuilding over a certain height above existing ground level must be set back further than the minimum 900mm.

Where are setbacks measured in Houston TX?

It should also be noted within the City of Houston, setbacks dimensions are measured starting at the property line (not back of curb, not centerline of street, etc). Based on the criteria above, the general building line may be easily found for any new project.

What does setback mean on a residential lot?

residential lot. A setback is the horizontal distance (measured at 90 degrees) from a lot boundary to a development. The policy provides for exceptions to setbacks for minor developments and building elements that may be located within the required setback.