Setbacks in the City of Hemet are set by zone in the Single-Family Residential Development Standards table (Section 90-314A). Front-yard minimums run 18 to 20 feet, rear yards 10 to 20 feet, and interior side yards 5 to 10 feet by zone (R-1-6: 18-ft front, 15-ft rear, 5-ft side). These are City of Hemet standards, not the county's.
Because Hemet is an incorporated city, building setbacks are governed by its own zoning code (Chapter 90), specifically the Single-Family Residential Development Standards table in Section 90-314A, which sets minimum yards by zone. Front-yard minimums are 18 feet in the R-1-6 and R-1-7.2 zones and 20 feet in the R-A, R-1-D, R-1-H, R-1-10, R-1-20, and R-1-40 zones (a 15-foot front setback is allowed for a single-story side-on garage in certain zones). Rear-yard minimums for principal structures are 20 feet in most zones but 10 feet in R-1-D and 15 feet in R-1-6 and R-1-7.2; detached garages and outdoor patios have their own reduced rear setbacks (as low as 3 feet for a detached garage or patio in R-1-D). Interior side-yard minimums range from 5 feet (R-1-6) up to 10 feet, and two-story portions often require larger side yards (for example 7.5 feet in R-1-6/R-1-7.2). Street-side yards on corner lots are generally 10 to 15 feet. Footnotes allow the side yard to be reduced to as little as five feet behind the rear main building line for open patios, pool equipment, and swimming pools, and pools may be located within the rear setback no closer than five feet to the rear property line. Architectural features such as eaves and chimneys may project up to 30 inches into a required yard. Because the exact figure depends entirely on your zone, confirm your parcel's classification with the Planning Division (951-765-2375) before designing.
Encroaching into a required yard is a zoning violation enforced by the Hemet Community Development Department; relief requires a variance through the city. Setbacks must be shown on plans and verified at inspection, so building closer than the zone allows can block permit issuance or final approval and may require relocation of the structure.
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