Forsyth County, NC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- RS9 front/rear/side
- 20 ft / 25 ft / 7 ft
- RS7 front/rear/side
- 15 ft / 20 ft / 5 ft
- RS20 front/rear/side
- 30 ft / 30 ft / 7 ft
- Universal minimum
- 5 ft (except twin homes)
- Source
- UDO General Dimensional Requirements
Summary
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO sets minimum yards by zoning district: for example RS9 requires a 20-ft front, 25-ft rear, and 7-ft one-side setback. RS7 requires 15-ft front, 20-ft rear, 5-ft side. No setback is required for twin homes; all other uses need at least five feet.
No setback is required for twin homes; all other uses must be set back a minimum of five (5) feet.
Full Breakdown
The joint UDO's General Dimensional Requirements table lists minimum front, rear, side, and combined-side setbacks for each residential zoning district, from the low-density YR/AG (45-ft front, 50-ft rear) down through the RS single-family series. Common single-family districts: RS20 (30/30/7), RS15 (25/25/7), RS12 (20/25/7), RS9 (20/25/7), RS7 (15/20/5). Note 4 to the table sets a floor: no setback is required for twin homes, and all other uses must be set back a minimum of five feet. Setbacks are measured from the applicable property or right-of-way line and are subject to additional UDO provisions.
Violations & Fines
Placing a structure inside a required yard is a UDO zoning violation; the county can deny or revoke permits and require a variance from the Board of Adjustment or relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must my house sit from the property line?
Is there an absolute minimum setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina building setbacks & zoning overview
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