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Lincoln, NE Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

R-1 front yard
30 feet
R-1 side yard
10 feet
R-1 rear yard
smaller of 20 ft or 20% depth
R-1/R-2/R-3/R-4 max height
35 feet
Corner front yard (all districts)
10 feet

Summary

Lincoln's R-1 through R-4 residential zones set minimum yard setbacks in Table 27.72.020(a): front yards of 20 to 30 feet, 5 to 10-foot side yards, and a rear yard equal to the smaller of 20 feet or 20% of lot depth.

27.72.020 Height and Lot Regulations R-1 through R-8 Zoning Districts. The maximum height and minimum lot requirements within the R-1 through R-8 Districts shall be as follows: a. R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 General Requirements. See Table 27.72.020(a) below: ... Front Yard 30' 25' 20' ... Corner Front Yard (a) 10' 10' 10' ... Side Yard 10' 5' 5' ... Rear Yard Smaller of 20' or 20% of the lot depth ... Height 35' 35' 35'

Source: Lincoln Municipal Code Ch. 27.72View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 27.72 of the zoning code sets the dimensional standards for Lincoln's eight residential districts. Under Table 27.72.020(a), R-1 lots need a 30-foot front yard, a 10-foot side yard, and a rear yard equal to the smaller of 20 feet or 20 percent of lot depth; R-2 and R-3 lots step down to 25- and 20-foot front yards with 5-foot side yards. Corner lots carry a separate 10-foot corner front yard on the side street. Building height in all four districts is capped at 35 feet, measured under the same table.

Violations & Fines

Plans that fall short of Table 27.72.020(a)'s front, side, or rear yard minimums are denied a building permit unless the owner obtains a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals under Chapter 27.75.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum front yard setback in Lincoln's R-1 district?
30 feet, per Table 27.72.020(a) of the zoning code. R-2 steps down to 25 feet and R-3/R-4 to 20 feet.
How is the rear yard setback calculated in Lincoln's R-1 through R-4 districts?
Whichever is smaller: a flat 20 feet, or 20 percent of the lot's depth, per Table 27.72.020(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

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All Lincoln rules

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