Setback Rules: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do setback rules rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 701 establishes setback requirements by district. Common residential setbacks: R1-6 has 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear; R1-8 has 25 ft front, 7 ft side, 20 ft rear; R1-10 has 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. Corner lots require 15 ft on the street side. Bay windows may project up to 3 ft into setbacks.
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes minimum setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require 20-25 foot front setbacks, 5-10 foot side setbacks, and 15-25 foot rear setbacks. Accessory structures may have reduced setback requirements. Corner lots have additional requirements for street-side setbacks.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Section | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §701 | - |
| R1-6 Setbacks | Front 20 ft, Side 5 ft, Rear 15 ft | - |
| R1-8 Setbacks | Front 25 ft, Side 7 ft, Rear 20 ft | - |
| R1-10 Setbacks | Front 25 ft, Side 10 ft, Rear 25 ft | - |
| Corner Lot Street Side | Minimum 15 ft | - |
| Governing Code | - | Tempe Zoning and Development Code |
| Front Setback | - | Typically 20-25 ft in R-1 zones |
| Side Setback | - | Typically 5-10 ft interior side |
| Rear Setback | - | Typically 15-25 ft |
| Small Structures | - | Under 200 sq ft / 8 ft may have reduced setbacks |
| Variance | - | Board of Adjustment for hardship cases |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
What are the residential setbacks in Phoenix?
Setbacks vary by zoning district. Common examples: R1-6 (20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear), R1-8 (25 ft front, 7 ft side, 20 ft rear), R1-10 (25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear). Corner lots require 15 ft on the street side in most districts.
Can anything project into the setback?
Bay windows, oriels, entrances, and vestibules (10 ft wide or less) may project up to 3 feet into any required setback. Open carports and porches may project up to 5 feet into front yards and to within 3 feet of side/rear lot lines.
Tempe FAQ
What are the setback requirements for my Tempe property?
Setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical R-1 zones require 20-25 ft front, 5-10 ft side, and 15-25 ft rear. Check the Zoning and Development Code or contact Community Development.
Can I build closer to my property line than the setback allows?
Only with a variance from the Board of Adjustment, which requires demonstrating a hardship. Small accessory structures may have reduced setback options.
Do eaves count in setback measurements?
Eaves and overhangs extending more than 2 feet from the building wall are typically included in setback measurements.
Compare other topics
See how Phoenix and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool