Bradenton, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Schedule 3.2.2.1 of the Land Use Regulations sets minimum setbacks, in feet, for the City of Bradenton's residential districts. For a principal building the front setback is 20 in R-1, R-2 and R-3, 10 in UV and 5 in R-4. Side setbacks are 8 in R-1, R-2 and R-3, and 5 in UV and R-4. Rear setbacks are 20 in R-1, R-2 and R-3, and 5 in UV and R-4. Accessory buildings and structures other than fences keep 5 feet on the side and rear in all five districts.

The footnotes carry the working detail. An overhang of up to two feet can extend into a required setback unless it would reach a public facilities easement, and the PCD director can approve a variance of up to 12 inches. Setbacks are measured from the right-of-way unless the PCD director waives that under subsection 4.1.1. A secondary front yard has a 15-foot minimum. Fences are excepted, but no other accessory building or accessory structure can be placed on an easement. Footnote (3) to the same schedule lets a building exceed the height limit if one foot is added to the rear and side setbacks for each foot of additional height.

Other sections stack on top. Section 5.1.2 keeps residential accessory structures out of the front yard except as otherwise noted and requires a five-foot setback from any side or rear property line, and the edge of a swimming pool must meet the same five feet under 5.1.2.2. In the Village of the Arts Overlay, an accessory dwelling unit needs a ten-foot side yard and a five-foot rear yard under section 3.4.5.6. Special uses need a landscaped separation strip at least ten feet wide along property lines and streets under section 3.3.1.2. Non-residential districts use the separate schedule 3.2.2.2, whose footnote (10) requires a five-foot separation strip with a permanent wall or evergreen hedge at least six feet high wherever a property line abuts a residential zone.