Linn County, IA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- AG front yard
- 50 feet
- AG side yard
- 10 feet
- AG rear yard
- 35 feet
- RR3 front yard
- 35 feet
Summary
Linn County's Agricultural District, the county's default rural zoning, requires a 50-foot front yard, 50-foot corner side yard, 35-foot rear yard, and 10-foot side yard for principal structures.
(3)Minimum setbacks from property or road right-of-way lines for all principal structures: a.Front yard, 50 feet. b.Side yard, ten feet. c.Corner side yard, 50 feet. d.Rear yard, 35 feet. (4)Maximum height for all principal structures except agricultural buildings, utilities and communication or wind towers: 45 feet. (5)Minimum setbacks from property or road right-of-way lines for all accessory structures: Accessory structure setbacks shall conform to the provisions of section 107-94(c). (Code 2006, ch. 41, art. 7, § 3; Ord. No. 13-9-2006, 10-1-2006; Ord. No. 10-10-2013, 10-14-2013; Ord. No. 7-11-2024, § 6, 11-20-2024)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
Linn County Code § 107-132(e)(3) sets the yard setbacks for the AG Agricultural District, the county's most common unincorporated zoning: a 50-foot front yard, 10-foot side yard, 50-foot corner side yard, and 35-foot rear yard, measured from the property or road right-of-way line. Other districts set different figures, the RR3 Rural Residential Three-Acre District requires 35 feet on the front, corner side, and rear yards with a 10-foot side yard, and the Village Residential district allows as little as 25 feet in front. Accessory structures follow separate rules under section 107-94(c).
Violations & Fines
Building within the required setback without a variance from the board of adjustment risks a stop-work order, permit denial, or forced relocation of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are setbacks the same in every Linn County zoning district?
Where are setbacks measured from?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Linn County
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