Peoria, IL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Peoria's two-track zoning system reflects the City's 2008 Heart of Peoria reform: most residential and suburban areas remain under the conventional Zoning Ordinance (Appendix B, originally adopted 1955 and substantially amended), while the older urban core operates under the form-based Unified Development Code (Appendix A). Appendix B Article 6 (Zoning Districts) establishes use districts including R-1 (Low Density Single Family), R-2 (Single Family), R-3 (Two Family), R-4 (Multi Family), R-5 (High Density), R-6 (Single Family), R-7 (Multi Family Estate), R-8 (Mobile Home Park), B-1 through B-4 (commercial), and several industrial classifications. Each district has its own bulk and yard regulations in Article 7 (Bulk Regulations) and Article 8 (Use Regulations). Typical R-1 standards (single-family low-density) are a front yard setback of 25-30 feet (or the average of adjacent existing front yards on the block), an interior side yard of 8-10 feet, a corner side yard of 15-20 feet, and a rear yard of 25 feet, with a minimum lot area of 9,000-12,000 sq ft. R-4 multifamily setbacks are smaller. Appendix A (Heart of Peoria UDC) uses a build-to line and frontage standards rather than yard setbacks, so structures often must be built within 0-10 feet of the street with parking/service moved to the rear. Accessory structures (garages, sheds, ADUs) have separate reduced setbacks under both regimes — typically 3-5 feet from side and rear lot lines, but must remain behind the principal building's front line. Variances require a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals; staff administrative adjustments are available for minor deviations under Appendix B Article 19.