Southfield, MI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Article 22 of Southfield's zoning chapter, the schedule of regulations at Sec. 5.193, fixes the minimum yard depths for the R A, R 1, R 2, R 3, R 4 and R E single-family residence districts side by side in one table. Front, least-side, total-sides and rear setbacks are listed in feet for each district: R 1, R 2 and R 3 each carry a 40-foot front yard, an 8-foot least side yard, a 20-foot combined total for both side yards, and a 35-foot rear yard.

R 4 and R E, the districts with the largest required lot areas, step the side yards up to 10 feet each with 25 feet combined, while keeping the same 40-foot front and 35-foot rear minimum. Sections 5.63 through 5.65 apply these table figures citywide but add two hard floors that override the table: no side yard abutting a street may ever be less than 25 feet, and on a lot with an attached garage the rear yard may not be less than 25 feet even where the table would otherwise require more.

Where a rear yard abuts a street on a thru lot, the minimum depth must equal the front-yard requirement for lots that front that same street in the same block. These setbacks apply to the principal dwelling; accessory buildings such as garages and sheds are governed separately under Sec. 5.69.