Building Setbacks & Zoning in Matthews, NC (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Matthews, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Matthews UDO sets residential setbacks varying by zoning district. R-15 single-family requires 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 30-foot rear setbacks. R-12 requires 25-foot front, 8-foot side, 25-foot rear.
Building Setbacks: Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Matthews UDO caps residential building heights at 35 feet in R-15 and R-20 districts and 40 feet in R-12 and R-8 districts. Downtown mixed-use zones allow up to 65 feet with conditional approval for sites near Matthews Station.
Building Setbacks: Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Matthews UDO limits impervious surface coverage to 30 percent in R-20, 40 percent in R-15, 50 percent in R-12, and up to 75 percent in commercial zones. Stormwater detention required when coverage exceeds 24 percent.
Building Setbacks: Lot Coverage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Mecklenburg County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Matthews city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Mecklenburg County →