Building Setbacks & Zoning in Waco, TX (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Waco, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Waco sets minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks separately for each zoning district; in the R-E single-family district, a house needs at least a 35-foot front yard, two 25-foot side yards, and a 50-foot rear yard, while every other permitted use in that district needs a 50-foot front yard. Chapter 28's general yard rules layer citywide standards on top of each district's specific numbers.
Waco Yard Setback Minimums Vary By Zoning District
Some RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-276
Except as provided in section 28-904, no structure or use in the R-E district shall be erected, altered or maintained unless the following yards are provided: (1)Single-family dwelling. A front yard of not less than 35 feet; two side yards of not less than 25 feet each; and a rear yard of not less than 50 feet.(2)All other permitted uses. A front yard of not less than 50 feet; two side yards o...
Structure Height Limits
Waco caps structure height at the maximum set for each zoning district, but Section 28-903 carves out exceptions: public buildings and institutions can reach 70 feet with wider yards, chimneys and towers are exempt from height rules entirely, and office buildings or hotels in several commercial districts can reach 75 feet or five stories.
Waco Structure Height Limits and District Exceptions
Some RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-903
The height of any use or structure hereafter erected, established, altered, converted or relocated shall not exceed the maximum permitted height for the district in which such use or structure is located, except that:(1)Public buildings, churches, temples, hospitals, institutions and schools may have a maximum height of 70 feet if all required yards for such buildings are increased by at least ...
Lot Coverage Limits
Waco caps how much of a lot can be covered by buildings and pavement, with the limit set by zoning district: 75 percent in all R (residential) districts and for residential uses in O districts, 85 percent for other O-district uses, and 90 percent in C and M districts other than C-4.
Waco Site Coverage Limits: Up to 90 Percent by District
Some RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-216
(a)In all O districts, except for residential uses in O districts, the maximum coverage of the site by buildings and paved areas shall not exceed 85 percent of the total lot area. When the use is residential in O districts, the maximum coverage of the sites by buildings and paved areas shall not exceed 75 percent of the total lot area.(b)In all C and M districts, except the C-4 district, the ma...