Building setbacks in unincorporated Pierce County depend on the zone. In the Suburban Residential (SR) zone, the minimums are 25 feet front on an arterial, 15 feet front on a non-arterial, 5 feet interior/side, and 10 feet rear. Detached accessory structures keep a 3-foot minimum setback.
PCC 18A.15.040 and Table 18A.15.040-1 set urban setbacks by zone. Suburban Residential (SR) requires a 25-foot front-arterial, 15-foot front-non-arterial, 5-foot interior/side, and 10-foot rear setback; Residential Resource (RR) requires 10 feet interior and rear. Detached single-story accessory structures may keep a 3-foot minimum setback, and projections such as eaves and chimneys are limited so no structure sits closer than 3 feet to a property line. Rural and resource zones use Table 18A.15.040-2. Setbacks are measured to the closest vertical foundation. City setbacks differ.
Building inside a required setback without an approved variance or reduction is a zoning violation and can require relocation, removal, or an after-the-fact variance. Encroachments also block permit finals and complicate sales.
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