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Clackamas County, OR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Urban front (R-5 to R-30)
15 ft (20 ft to garage)
Urban rear
20 feet
Urban side
5 feet
Rural RA-2 / EFU front, rear
30 feet
Rural side
10 feet

Summary

Setbacks vary by zoning district. In urban low-density residential (R-5 to R-30) the ZDO requires a 15-foot front setback (20 ft to a garage), 20-foot rear, and 5-foot side. Rural RA-2 and farm EFU lots require 30-foot front/rear and 10-foot side.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Minimum Front Setback: 15 feet, except 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries. Minimum Rear Setback: 20 feet. Minimum Side Setback: 5 feet.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Clackamas County sets minimum yard setbacks per zoning district in the ZDO. Urban low-density residential districts (R-2.5 through R-30) require a minimum 15-foot front setback, 20 feet to a garage or carport entry, a 20-foot rear setback, and 5-foot side setbacks, with exceptions for small legacy lots and swimming pools. Rural single-family (RA-2) and Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) districts require 30-foot front and rear yards and 10-foot side yards. Setback exceptions are handled through ZDO Section 903, and variances through Section 1205.

Violations & Fines

A structure encroaching into a required setback is a ZDO violation; it can require a variance, a property-line adjustment, or removal, and may block final building inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from the property line must my house sit?
In urban R-5 to R-30 zones: 15 ft front (20 ft to a garage), 20 ft rear, 5 ft sides. Rural RA-2 and EFU: 30 ft front/rear, 10 ft sides.
Can I get an exception to a setback?
Yes. ZDO Section 903 provides setback exceptions and Section 1205 allows variances, both processed through county Planning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clackamas County rules

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