Gary, IN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Section 123-155 spells out yard minimums for Gary's base single-family district in three subsections. Subsection (h) requires a front yard not less in depth than 25 feet or 20 percent of the lot depth, whichever is less, with that minimum extending up to 40 feet where most of the block's homes already sit further back, and increasing by one foot for every two feet a building exceeds 25 feet in height. Subsection (i) sets side yards: for a one-story single-family home, the combined width of both side yards must be at least 12 feet or 20 percent of the lot width, whichever is less, with neither side yard under five feet; for homes taller than one story, the combined minimum rises to 15 feet or 25 percent of lot width, again with a five-foot floor on each side.

A reduced side yard, down to three feet, is allowed on narrow lots of record next to an already-improved lot, provided the buildings stay at least ten feet apart and the combined side yards stay at least eight feet. Subsection (j) sets the rear yard at not less than two-thirds of the building's height, but never less than 30 feet regardless of height. All three yard types must stay unobstructed from ground level to the sky except for the specific encroachments listed in § 123-333, such as open terraces, awnings, and limited eave overhangs.