Carrollton, TX Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear setback, SF-7/16 to SF-6.5/12
- 20 feet from rear property line
- Rear setback, SF-5/12
- 10 feet, smallest single-family lots
- Side setback, interior lot
- 6 feet, one-story main structure
- Side setback abutting freeway/arterial
- 25 feet
- Side setback abutting other street
- 10 feet
- Accessory building side/rear setback
- 3 feet from property line
- Governing provision
- Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, Sec. L
Summary
Carrollton's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, updated April 2026, sets side and rear yard minimums by single-family zoning district in Article 7, Section L. In the SF-7/16, SF-7/14 and SF-6.5/12 districts, main structures must clear the rear property line by 20 feet, dropping to 10 feet in SF-5/12, while interior-lot side yards run 6 feet for a one-story house.
SECTION L. HEIGHT AND AREA REGULATIONS – (SF-7/16, SF-7/14, SF-6.5/12, SF-5/12, SF-PH) ... 11. Minimum width of side setback: (Distance between structure and any property line not deemed a front or rear yard) a. Main Structure: i. Internal lot or abutting an alley (Reference Section G(2)(c)) a) One (1) story structure 6' 6' 6' ... For the (SF-5/12) District: 5' ... ii. Abutting a freeway, freeway frontage road, or arterial thoroughfare (As identified on the Carrollton Transportation Plan) 25' 25' 25' 25' ... iv. Abutting any other type of street 10' 10' 10' 10' ... 12. Minimum depth of rear setback: (Measured from rear property line to any structure) a. Main structure 20' 20' 20' 10'
Full Breakdown
5/12 and SF-5/12/SF-PH. Rear yards for the main structure hold at 20 feet in the first three districts but shrink to 10 feet in SF-5/12, the smallest-lot single-family zone. Side yards on an interior lot or one abutting an alley run 6 feet for a one-story house (Ord. No. 1641, 07/17/90). Lots that back or side onto a freeway, freeway frontage road, or an arterial thoroughfare identified on the Carrollton Transportation Plan carry a heavier 25-foot side setback; that eases to 10 feet along any other type of street.
Accessory structures get separate, tighter numbers under the same table: a detached accessory building may sit as close as 3 feet to an interior side or rear line, and pools, saunas, hot tubs, carports and satellite dishes may abut the main structure at 0 feet. A homeowner who cannot meet these figures must seek a variance from the Board of Adjustment. Article 33 requires a written appeal within 15 days of an adverse determination by the City Manager or Designee, a filing fee set by City Council, and a favorable vote from a minimum seven-member board; a granted variance lapses if the building permit isn't pulled within 90 days unless the Board grants a longer period.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a structure that violates the Article 7 setback table is a misdemeanor under Article 36, Penalty for Violation: a fine of up to $2,000, with each day the encroachment stands charged as a separate offense. The ordinance reaches the property owner and any architect, builder, contractor or agent who assisted, and a culpable mental state is not required for conviction (Ord. No. 1977, 04/19/94).
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can I build to my rear property line in Carrollton's SF-6.5/12 district?
Does the side setback change if my lot backs up to a freeway?
What happens if I build inside the required setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carrollton
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