Albany, NY Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1L front yard minimum
- 25 feet
- R-T front yard minimum
- 0 feet
- R-1L rear yard minimum
- 40 feet
- Accessory structure side/rear setback
- 2 feet (except R-T)
- Governing table
- USDO Table 375.401.1 / .2
Summary
Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by zoning district, from a 0-foot front yard in the R-T District to 25 feet in R-1L.
Front yard, minimum (feet): R-1L 25[2]; R-1M 15[2]; R-2 10[2]; R-T 0[2]; R-M 0[2]; R-V 10[2]. Side yard, minimum (feet): R-1L 5; R-1M 0[3]; R-2 0[3]; R-T 0; R-M 0[3]; R-V 15. Rear yard, minimum: R-1L 40 feet; R-1M 25 feet; R-2 20% of lot depth; R-T 10% of lot depth; R-M 15 feet; R-V 20 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 375-401 requires every building and structure to meet the dimensional standards in its Table 375.401.1 (residential) or 375.401.2 (mixed-use). Front setbacks range from 0 feet in R-T and R-M up to 25 feet in R-1L; side yards run 0 to 15 feet; rear yards run from 10% of lot depth up to 40 feet. Accessory structures must sit back at least 2 feet from side and rear lot lines, except in R-T where side and rear setbacks don't apply to them at all. No permit or certificate of occupancy can issue for a building that doesn't conform.
Violations & Fines
Building without conforming setbacks blocks development plan approval, and no building permit or certificate of occupancy may be issued until the plan meets Table 375.401.1 or 375.401.2's minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Albany's minimum front setback?
Do accessory structures like sheds need a setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York building setbacks & zoning overview
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