Setbacks are set by the city or township, not Washtenaw County. In Ann Arbor's common R1C district, buildings need a 25-ft front setback, 5-ft minimum single side (10 ft combined), and a 30-ft rear setback.
Ann Arbor UDC Section 5.17, Table 5.17-1, sets dimensional standards for single-family districts. R1A requires 40 ft front, 7 ft one side, 18 ft two sides, and 50 ft rear on 20,000 sq ft lots; R1B needs 30 ft front, 5/14 ft sides, 40 ft rear; R1C (the widespread standard) needs 25 ft front, 5/10 ft sides, 30 ft rear on 7,200 sq ft lots; R1D/R1E need 25/15 ft front, 3/6 ft sides, 20 ft rear. Setbacks are measured from lot lines to the base of the building. Detached accessory buildings must sit at least three feet from any lot line. Because the county does not zone under MCL 125.3101, verify the district and setbacks for your specific parcel.
Building into a required setback without a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals is a violation; the city may deny occupancy or require the encroachment be corrected.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Washtenaw County's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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