Yellowstone County, MT Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- N1 front build-to zone
- 8–25 feet
- N1 side setback
- 5 feet minimum
- N1 rear setback
- 5 feet minimum
- Accessory rear setback
- 3 ft (0 at alley)
- Rural unzoned land
- no county setback
Summary
In the zoned Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction, setbacks are set by district. The N1 residential district requires a front build-to zone of 8–25 feet, a 5-foot minimum side setback, and a 5-foot minimum rear setback. Rural unzoned county land has no county setback rule.
Side Setback (feet): 5 minimum. Rear Setback (feet): 5 minimum. Accessory Building: Min. Rear Setback (feet): 3, except 0 at alley. Front Build-to Zone (feet): 8–25; block face average allowed.
Full Breakdown
The unified Chapter 27 code assigns dimensional setbacks by zoning district within the county's 4.5-mile jurisdictional area and Billings. In the N1 neighborhood district (Table 27-300.3), the front build-to zone is 8 to 25 feet, the side setback is 5 feet minimum, the rear setback is 5 feet minimum, and accessory buildings have a 3-foot minimum rear setback (0 at an alley). Industrial districts (Sec. 27-603) require a 20-foot front and 10-foot street-side setback. Other districts have their own tables. On unincorporated county parcels in no adopted zoning district, the county sets no building setback: confirm with the City-County Planning Department which rules apply to your parcel.
Violations & Fines
Building within a required setback is a zoning violation; City-County Planning may deny zoning compliance, require a variance/administrative relief, or order correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the side-yard setback near Billings?
Do setbacks apply to my rural parcel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yellowstone County
Compare Yellowstone County to another location·View the Montana building setbacks & zoning overview
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