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Quincy, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Res. A front yard
25 ft minimum
Res. A side yard
13 ft minimum
Res. A rear yard
20 ft minimum
Res. C yard rule
half building height, 25 ft floor

Summary

Quincy's Table of Dimensional Requirements sets minimum front, side, and rear yards by zoning district: 25 feet front in Residence A, down to no front or side setback at all in the dense Business C2 core.

Minimum requirements. Where a minimum front, side and rear yard is specified in the Table of Dimensional Requirements, an open area of at least the specified dimensions shall be provided between the front, side and rear lot lines and the nearest point of any building or structure except as may be permitted hereafter. Every part of the required yard shall be open to the sky and unobstructed except for the ordinary projection of the belt courses, sills, skylights and ornamental features projecting from the building not more than 12 inches, and of cornices and gutters projecting from the building not more than 24 inches. Awnings, arbors, and fences shall not be considered obstructions when located within a required yard.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).

Full Breakdown

Section 4.3.2 requires an open, unobstructed yard of at least the dimensions set in the Table of Dimensional Requirements between each lot line and the nearest building. Residence A calls for a 25-foot front yard (adjusted by the average-alignment rule), 13-foot side, and 20-foot rear; Residence B ranges from 13- to 25-foot side yards depending on unit count; Residence C sets front, side, and rear yards at half the building's height but never less than 25 feet.

Violations & Fines

Building inside a required yard without relief is a zoning violation carrying a $300 fine per offense, with each day of the violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum front yard setback in Quincy, Massachusetts' Residence A district?
25 feet under the Table of Dimensional Requirements, though homes on established streets must also match the average setback of nearby dwellings, up to 55 feet.
Can I build inside a required yard setback in Quincy?
Only minor projections: eaves, cornices, and small unroofed steps under Section 4.3.3; the yard must otherwise stay open to the sky.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Quincy

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All Quincy rules

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