Building Setbacks & Zoning in Chapel Hill, NC (2026)

Setback Rules

Chapel Hill residential setbacks are set in LUMO Article 3, Section 3.8 Dimensional Standards. R-1 Residential single-family: 28 ft street setback / 14 ft interior setback (any other property line) on a 17,000 sq ft minimum lot with 80 ft minimum width (the January 2026 LUMO amendments package considered reducing R-1 minimum lot size to 10,000 sq ft). R-1 maximum height is 40 ft, R-2 maximum height is 50 ft. Higher-density districts (R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6) progressively reduce minimum lot size and setbacks. Detached accessory structures (ADUs, sheds, carports) must sit in the established rear yard and meet the primary residence's side and rear setback requirements for the district. Variances go to the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment under NCGS § 160D-705.