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

The City of Flint Chapter 50 Zoning Code (adopted October 29, 2022, amended through Ordinance 240459 effective December 7, 2025) defines a building setback (or setback yard line) as the measurements that define the buildable area of a lot as measured from the lot line. Setbacks are the minimum horizontal distances required from the front, side or rear lot lines specified in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Chapter. The Zoning Code uses form-based residential districts including TN-1 and TN-2 (Traditional Neighborhood-Low and Medium Density), MR-1 (Mixed Residential-Low Density), and GN-1 (Green Neighborhood-Low Density, intended to integrate community gardens and small-scale urban agriculture). Each district's site dimensions table sets the front, side and rear minimums for principal and accessory structures. Setback variances require an application to the Flint Zoning Board of Appeals under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Act 110 of 2006, MCL 125.3201 et seq.), which authorizes local governments to regulate land and provides the variance framework administered by the ZBA. The Flint ZBA hears administrative appeals and variance applications, and interprets the Zoning Code under the State's enabling authority.