Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance establishes setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Typical single-family residential districts require 25-foot front setbacks, 5-10 foot side setbacks, and 20-25 foot rear setbacks. The ESLO overlay and Foothills Overlay may impose additional setback requirements for environmental protection.
Scottsdale's property development standards (Zoning Ordinance Article V) specify minimum setbacks for each zoning district. For R1-10 (single-family, 10,000 sq ft minimum lot): front yard 25 feet, side yards 5-10 feet (varies by lot width), rear yard 20 feet. Larger-lot districts (R1-35, R1-43) require larger setbacks. Corner lots have special requirements for both street-facing yards. Accessory structures may have reduced setbacks (minimum 2 feet from side/rear). The ESLO overlay requires additional setbacks from natural washes and hillside areas. Building projections such as eaves, bay windows, and chimneys may encroach into setbacks by up to 2.5 feet. Swimming pools typically require a 3-foot setback from property lines. A Property Information Request through Scottsdale's online portal can identify exact setback requirements for any specific parcel.
Construction within required setbacks without approved variances results in building permit denial. Structures built in violation of setbacks may be subject to required modification or removal.
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