Escambia County, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- MDR front and rear
- 20 feet
- MDR side (typical)
- 5 feet or 10% lot width
- MDR side (townhouse group)
- 10 feet
- LDR front and rear
- 25 feet
- Code section
- LDC § 3-2.7(d)(7)
Summary
In the Medium Density Residential (MDR) district, principal structures need a 20-foot front and rear setback and a 5-foot side setback (10 feet for attached townhouses). Low Density Residential (LDR) requires 25 feet front and rear. Setbacks vary by zoning district, so verify yours with Development Services.
For all principal structures, minimum setbacks are: ... Front and rear. Twenty feet in the front and rear. ... On each side of all other structures, five feet or ten percent of the lot width at the street right-of-way, whichever is greater, but not required to exceed 15 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 113).
Full Breakdown
Escambia County LDC sets minimum principal-structure setbacks by zoning district. In the MDR district (§ 3-2.7(d)(7)), setbacks are 20 feet front and rear, and on the sides 10 feet for a group of attached townhouses or, for all other structures, 5 feet or 10 percent of the lot width at the right-of-way, whichever is greater, capped at 15 feet. In the LDR district (§ 3-2.5(d)(7)), the front and rear setback rises to 25 feet with the same side-setback formula. Rural and higher-density districts differ, and accessory structures follow separate rules, so confirm your district's numbers before building.
Violations & Fines
Structures encroaching into required setbacks can be denied a certificate of occupancy, cited by code enforcement, and required to obtain a variance from the Board of Adjustment or be relocated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from the property line must my house sit?
Do setbacks change by zoning district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Escambia County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida building setbacks & zoning overview
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