Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Flint, MI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

A-1 min front yard
30 feet
A-1 min side yard
10 ft (20 ft combined)
A-1 min rear yard
35 feet
A-2/B min front yard
25 feet
Block-front averaging rule
§ 50-96

Summary

Flint's Table A zoning standards set a 30-foot minimum front yard, 10-foot minimum side yards, and a 35-foot minimum rear yard for single-family homes in the city's A-1 residential district, with tighter yards in denser zones.

A-1 Single-family low density 1-family detached dwellings 2 stories or 30 ft. 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft. 35% 35% 30 ft. 1 and 2 stories 10 ft. 20 ft. 35 ft. As per Building Code

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).

Full Breakdown

Under § 50-89 Table A, the City of Flint's A-1 single-family district requires a 30-foot minimum front yard, side yards of at least 10 feet each (20 feet combined least width), and a 35-foot minimum rear yard. The denser A-2 and B two-family districts drop to a 25-foot front yard and 5- to 6-foot side yards. Separately, § 50-96 requires new construction to match the average setback of the two nearest existing homes on the same block front where that differs from the district minimum, with a floor of 10 feet and a ceiling of 50 feet.

Violations & Fines

Building within a required yard without relief from the Board of Zoning Appeals violates § 50-89; the Building Inspector can deny a permit, issue a stop-work order, or require the structure moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Flint average my front setback with my neighbors'?
Yes, § 50-96 requires new construction to match the average front-yard depth of the two nearest existing homes on the block, with a floor of 10 feet and a ceiling of 50 feet.
Do side yards change with building height?
Yes. In the C-2 high-density district, Table A adds extra side-yard width for each additional five feet of building height beyond the base story count.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Flint

All Flint rules

Compare Flint to another location·View the Michigan building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Setback Rules in Flint, MI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.