Matthews's Building Setbacks & Zoning: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles building setbacks & zoning a little differently. In Matthews, North Carolina, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Structure Height Limits

Matthews UDO caps residential building heights at 35 feet in R-15 and R-20 districts and 40 feet in R-12 and R-8 districts. Downtown mixed-use zones allow up to 65 feet with conditional approval for sites near Matthews Station.

Key details: R-15/R-20: 35 feet max. R-12/R-8: 40 feet max. Accessory: 20 feet or principal. Downtown MX: 45-65 feet. Measurement: Grade to roof midpoint.

Unpermitted height violations require variance or removal. Board of Adjustment may grant height variances only upon hardship showing. Civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day.

Setback Rules

Matthews UDO sets residential setbacks varying by zoning district. R-15 single-family requires 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 30-foot rear setbacks. R-12 requires 25-foot front, 8-foot side, 25-foot rear.

Key details: R-15 front: 30 feet. R-15 side: 10 feet. R-15 rear: 30 feet. R-12: 25/8/25. Accessory under 150 sf: 5 feet side/rear.

Unpermitted setback encroachments require removal or variance approval from Matthews Board of Adjustment. Civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day. Variance applications require 2,500-square-foot hardship demonstration.

Lot Coverage Limits

Matthews UDO limits impervious surface coverage to 30 percent in R-20, 40 percent in R-15, 50 percent in R-12, and up to 75 percent in commercial zones. Stormwater detention required when coverage exceeds 24 percent.

Key details: R-20: 30 percent impervious. R-15: 40 percent impervious. R-12: 50 percent impervious. Stormwater trigger: 24 percent coverage. Permeable pavers: 50 percent credit.

Exceeding impervious limits requires variance or surface removal. Stormwater non-compliance subject to Mecklenburg County enforcement with penalties up to 25,000 dollars per day under state law.

The Bottom Line

Matthews's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Matthews can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.