Independence, MO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-A exterior setback (all streets)
- 50 feet, Table 300-2
- R-4 through R-30 PUD local street setback
- 25 feet
- R-A interior side setback
- 35 feet
- R-4 through R-30 PUD interior side setback
- 5 feet
- Arterial street setback, all districts
- 50 feet
- Admin adjustment without variance
- up to 10%, Community Development Director
Summary
Independence sets minimum yard setbacks by residential zoning district in UDO Table 300-2: exterior (street-facing) setbacks run from 25 to 50 feet, interior rear setbacks from 20 to 50 feet, and interior side setbacks from 5 to 35 feet depending on the district, from large-lot R-A down to R-30 PUD. Article 14-202 fixes how each setback line is measured.
14-300-05-A.General1.This section establishes basic lot and building standards for all development in R districts. The standards that apply vary on the basis of zoning, building type and development type.2.All residential and nonresidential development in R districts must comply with the lot and building standards of Table 300-2, except as otherwise expressly provided in this ordinance. Table 300-2 Lot and Building Standards R-A R-1 R-2 R-4 R-6 R-12 R-18 PUD R-30 PUD ... Min. Exterior Setback (feet) Arterial streets 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 Collector/minor arterial 50 50 35 35 35 35 35 35 All other streets 50 50 35 25 25 25 25 25 Min. Interior Rear Setback (feet) 50 50 30 30 20 20 25 25 Min. Interior Side Setback (feet) 35 15 10 5 5 5 5 5
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
" Table 300-2's Conventional Development section sets minimum exterior setbacks (measured from the street) at 50 feet from arterial streets in every district, 50 feet from collector/minor arterial streets in R-A and R-1 tapering to 35 feet in R-2 through R-30 PUD, and 50 feet on all other streets in R-A/R-1, tapering to 25 feet in R-4 through R-30 PUD. Minimum interior rear setbacks range from 50 feet in R-A/R-1 down to 20 feet in R-6/R-12, and minimum interior side setbacks range from 35 feet in R-A down to 5 feet in R-4 through R-30 PUD.
Section 14-202-06-A requires that these setbacks be unobstructed and unoccupied from the ground to the sky except for listed encroachments, and § 14-202-06-B sets the measurement point: for lots on collector or arterial streets, from a line half the planned right-of-way width off centerline or the right-of-way line, whichever gives the greater setback; for local streets, from the lot line or a line 25 feet off the street centerline, whichever gives the greater setback. 2, matching the average yard depth of the two nearest lots on each side, so long as no part of the building crosses a platted building line. 1; larger reductions require a Board of Adjustment variance under § 14-706-02, decided by at least four concurring votes.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a structure inside a required setback without an approved administrative adjustment or variance is a violation of the development ordinance under § 14-801-04-B, enforced by the Community Development Director (§ 14-801-01), who may issue citations and withhold building permits or certificates of occupancy for the site under § 14-801-07-C. Conviction carries a fine of $10 to $100 per day the violation continues under § 14-801-07-E, rising to $100 to $250 per day for a willful violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide must a side yard be in an Independence R-1 zone?
How is a setback measured on a lot next to a collector street?
Can a homeowner match the setback of neighboring houses instead of the table minimum?
What can be built inside a required setback in Independence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
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Setback Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle setback rules.