Lake Elsinore sets building setbacks by zoning district. In the R-1 single-family district, the minimum front yard is 20 feet, interior side yards are 5 feet, side yards along a public right-of-way are 15 feet, and the rear yard is 20 feet. Other districts such as R-3 use different minimums.
Setbacks are established in each zoning district chapter of LEMC Title 17. In the R-1 Single-Family Residential District (LEMC 17.76.080), the front-yard setback for a main dwelling is 20 feet, and garages are also 20 feet, though turn-in entry garages may encroach to within 15 feet of the front property line. Interior side yards require a minimum of 5 feet, while a side yard adjacent to a public right-of-way must be 15 feet. The rear yard is 20 feet. In the R-3 High Density District (LEMC 17.84.080), the front yard averages 20 feet but never less than 15, with interior-side setbacks of 10 feet. Architectural features may project up to two feet into required yards.
Building within a required setback without an approved variance is a zoning violation. Code Enforcement may require correction, and the structure may need to be modified, set back, or removed; after-the-fact review and variance applications are typically required.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle setback rules.
See how Lake Elsinore's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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