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

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

Key Facts

Front yard, Res A-1/A
25 feet minimum
Front yard, Res B
15 feet minimum
Governing table
Zoning Table 5-1
General rule
No structure within the required yard
Enforcement
$100-$300 fines, injunctive relief

Summary

Springfield's zoning ordinance sets minimum yard (setback) distances by residential district in Table 5-1 -- 25 feet in Residence A and A-1, 15 feet in Residence B for front yards, with separate side and rear yard minimums for each district.

When this Article specifies a minimum YARD dimension, no BUILDING or STRUCTURE shall be erected within the specified distance from the applicable LOT LINE, except as permitted hereinafter.

Source: Municode Library - Springfield, MAView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Section 5.1.25 of Springfield's zoning ordinance bars building any structure closer to a lot line than the minimum yard set for its district, and Table 5-1 spells out the numbers by residential district. The minimum front yard is 25 feet in the Residence A-1 and Residence A districts and 15 feet in Residence B, with the same 25-foot minimum carried through Residence C-1 and Residence C-2. Side and rear yard minimums are set separately by district and, for some districts, as a percentage of building height, with tighter figures and footnoted exceptions in the denser Residence B-1 and Residence C districts. Anyone planning a new house, addition, or accessory structure needs to check Table 5-1 for their specific district before laying out the building envelope.

Violations & Fines

Building within the required yard is a zoning violation. Springfield can fine $100 for a first offense and $300 for each repeat or continuing daily offense, or seek a court injunction ordering the structure brought into compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does my front yard have to be in Springfield, MA?
It depends on the zoning district -- 25 feet in Residence A-1 and Residence A, 15 feet in Residence B, per Table 5-1 of the zoning ordinance.
Are side and rear yards regulated too?
Yes. Table 5-1 sets separate minimum side and rear yards for each residential district, tied to building height in some districts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

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