Matthews UDO sets residential setbacks varying by zoning district. R-15 single-family requires 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 30-foot rear setbacks. R-12 requires 25-foot front, 8-foot side, 25-foot rear.
Matthews Unified Development Ordinance Article 3 establishes dimensional standards by zoning district. R-20 (rural residential) requires 40-foot front, 15-foot side, 40-foot rear setbacks. R-15 requires 30/10/30. R-12 requires 25/8/25. R-CD (conservation district) requires 25/10/25. Corner lots must meet front setback on both street frontages. Accessory structures under 150 sq ft may be placed 5 feet from rear and side lines; larger accessory structures follow principal building setbacks. Flag lots and irregular parcels use UDO Section 3.4 averaging rules. Setback encroachments are permitted for eaves up to 24 inches, chimneys up to 24 inches, and HVAC equipment with screening.
Unpermitted setback encroachments require removal or variance approval from Matthews Board of Adjustment. Civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day. Variance applications require 2,500-square-foot hardship demonstration.
Matthews, NC
Vehicle noise in Matthews is regulated under state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 requiring functional mufflers, plus local provisions prohibiting loud exhaust, revving...
Matthews, NC
Matthews enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under the Town Code noise provisions, with plainly audib...
Matthews, NC
Matthews does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance; operation is governed by general noise and construction-hour restrictions in the Town Code.
Matthews, NC
Construction activity in Matthews is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with Sunday restrictions, consistent with Mecklenburg County co...
Matthews, NC
Amplified music in Matthews requires special event permits when held outdoors in public spaces; residential amplified sound is subject to the plainly audible...
Matthews, NC
Aircraft noise in Matthews is governed exclusively by federal FAA regulations; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle setback rules.
See how Matthews's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.