Blaine, MN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Blaine measures yard setbacks under two layered provisions. Sec. 18-24 defines how the measurement is taken: the setback runs from the side or front lot line to the nearest part of the building, measured at grade on a line perpendicular to the lot line, and a cornice or eave projection only counts against the setback once it extends more than two feet from the face of the building. The numeric minimums for the Single-Family (R-1) district come from Sec. 109-120: a 30-foot front yard setback, a 10-foot side yard setback, a 20-foot setback on corner lots, and a 30-foot rear yard setback.

Where a lot borders public water, Sec. 109-120(4) adds a 75-foot building setback measured from the surveyed ordinary high water mark as defined by the state department of natural resources, on top of the standard rear yard figure. Garages and other accessory buildings get their own, tighter setbacks under Sec. 109-120(5): not less than five feet from the rear or side lot line, dropping to just one foot for accessory buildings under 120 square feet, though structures built within a drainage and utility easement sit at the owner's risk of removal if the city or another agency needs the easement.

Corner-lot accessory buildings must keep a 20-foot setback. Conditional use permits granted under Sec. 109-119(2) through (4), covering places of worship, schools and golf courses, carry their own larger 50-foot building setback and 30-foot parking setback on every side. These figures apply specifically to the R-1 district; the Farm Residential, Residential Estate and other zoning districts each carry their own separate setback tables in the same chapter.