Mobile zoning sets minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by district under MCO Chapter 64, with R-1 single-family typically requiring 25-foot front, 8-foot side, and 25-foot rear yards before any structure can stand.
Setbacks vary by zone. R-1 single-family residential is the most common Mobile residential category, requiring 25 feet front, 8 feet side, and 25 feet rear in most cases. R-2 and R-3 multifamily zones have similar fronts but may allow tighter sides. Downtown and historic districts use build-to lines that pull buildings closer to the sidewalk. Corner lots have two front yards. Encroachments such as eaves, chimneys, and uncovered porches may project a limited distance. Pre-existing nonconforming structures can remain but generally cannot expand into the setback.
Building into a setback without a variance triggers stop-work orders, removal or modification of the structure, and fines up to 500 dollars per day.
Mobile, AL
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See how Mobile's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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