Setback Rules: Apex vs Raleigh

What are the residential setbacks in Apex?

Apex UDO Sec. 5.1.1 sets district-specific setbacks for single-family dwellings: RA Rural Agricultural — 30 ft front, 15 ft side, 25 ft rear on a 5-acre minimum lot. RR Rural Residential — 40/15/25 on 1 acre. LD Low Density — 25 ft front, 8 ft min (20 ft total combined) side, 25 ft rear on a 10,000 sq ft minimum lot. MD Medium Density — 25 ft front, 6 ft min (16 ft total) side, 20 ft rear. HDSF High Density Single-Family — 15/8/15 on a 40 ft minimum width lot. MH Manufactured Home — 25/8/25 with 24 ft max height. Townhouses, duplexes, and multi-family have their own tighter standards in the same table.

How far does a detached garage or shed have to be from the property line in Apex?

5 feet from the side or rear property line for detached sheds, unattached garages, unattached carports, accessory apartments, swimming pools, hot tubs, and most other detached accessory structures, per Apex UDO Sec. 5.2.7.E. The structure must also sit behind the principal building unless it's at least 60 ft from the front property line, occupy no more than 35 percent of the required yard, sit at least 10 ft from the principal building, and not exceed the principal building's height by more than 5 ft. On a corner lot the structure must be at least 10 ft from the side lot line abutting the street.

What are the setback requirements in Raleigh?

Setbacks depend on your zoning district. Residential zones typically require 20-30 foot front setbacks and 5-10 foot side setbacks. Check the UDO district dimensional tables for your specific zone.

Can I build closer to the property line than the setback allows?

Only with a variance from the Board of Adjustment, which requires showing a hardship. You can also check if an administrative alternate setback is available for your district under the UDO.