Woodbury sets minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks by zoning district in Chapter 24, Article III of the City Code, so required distances vary by district. Accessory buildings and detached garages must be set back at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and a detached garage placed in front (R-1/R-2) requires a 50-foot front setback.
Required setbacks for the principal house in Woodbury are established by zoning district in the City Code (Chapter 24, Article III, the district regulations beginning at Sec. 24-131), and they differ between the city's residential districts, so there is no single citywide number for the front, side and rear yards. The accurate figure for any given lot depends on its zoning district and any planned-development or shoreland overlay, which is why owners should check the district standards or confirm with the Planning Department rather than assume a uniform setback. The city's published standards do give firm numbers for accessory structures: under City Code Sec. 24-281, detached garages and accessory buildings in residential districts must be set back at least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines, and where a detached garage is allowed in front in the R-1 and R-2 districts, the minimum front yard setback to the accessory building is 50 feet. Miscellaneous structures likewise may not be located closer than 5 feet from the side or rear property lines. For the principal dwelling's front, side and rear setbacks, consult the specific residential district table in Article III, since those minimums vary by district. Setbacks are verified on the certificate of survey submitted with a building permit, so the city checks placement before construction.
Building or expanding a structure inside the required yard setback can require a variance, relocation or removal; the certificate of survey is reviewed to catch encroachments before a permit is issued.
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