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Front Yard Setbacks

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City of Tigard Front Yard Setback Enforcement to Begin in 2008
In March 2007, the Tigard City Council considered the issue of setback violations caused by structures placed in front yards. This was due to the growing popularity of accessory structure kits ranging from those with plastic poles and canvas covers to others with metal framework and siding, often used as an extra "garage."

The Tigard City Council decided that where structures violate City Code, enforcement would not occur until January 1, 2008. The Council wanted to allow time for education of the public and voluntary compliance.

Most jurisdictions, including Tigard, have setback regulations that help prevent clutter, as well as fire and vision clearance hazards. Mandatory setbacks outline areas on property where structures including carports, sheds, and RV covers, cannot be located.

If you already have or are planning to install an accessory structure, please first consider that accessory structures:

May not be more than 15 feet tall.
Require a building permit if they are over 10 feet tall.
May not be over 528 square feet.
Require a building permit if they are over 200 square feet. Permit requirements differ depending on materials of structure.
May not be attached to another structure.
May not be in the mandatory 5 foot side or rear setback. Corner and through lots have additional setback requirements.
May not be in the front yard setback (which can vary from 15 to 30 feet from the right-of-way, depending on the zone).
Setback measurements start from the public right-of-way, and the public right-of-way may be closer to your home than the edge of the street or sidewalk. For setback information, how to find the right-of-way boundary at your property, and for questions on how to accurately measure the mandatory setbacks on your property, please call 503-718-2421 or visit the Planning and Engineering Counter of the City Hall Permit Center between 8 am and 4 pm. Setback regulations can also be viewed at www.tigard-or.gov/business/municipal_code/title-18.asp.

Enforcement of setback violations on accessory structures in front yards will begin January 1, 2008.

What is a Setback?
Front setbacks are areas in front yards where structures cannot be located.

Setbacks differ by zone: in residential areas, front yard setbacks vary from 15 to 30 feet starting at the public right-of-way. Most jurisdictions, including Tigard, have setback regulations that help prevent fire and vision clearance hazards, clutter, and aesthetic issues.

Structures prohibited in setbacks include but are not limited to carports, boat and RV covers, and sheds.

Before You Buy...
Though many inexpensive kits are available for accessory structures, before you purchase one, please find out what City regulations will affect the placement of it. You may find that the structure you were considering for your front yard will be illegal, and if you erect it, you could be subject to both removal of the structure and court citation.

Code Enforcement
The City will be conducting periodic surveys of neighborhoods to inspect for setback violations. If you have any structures in your front yard, please check with the City about setback requirements for your property location. This way, if you realize you have a violation, you can fix it before it is noted during an inspection, and you can avoid City imposed compliance periods and possible court citations.

Questions? Contact Us!
For setback information and how to measure from the right-of-way, please contact 503-639-4171 x2421 or visit the Planning and Engineering Counter at the City Hall Permit Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

More Information Online
Setback regulations can be viewed here. The entire development code can be searched (Ctrl+F) from this page: Development Code. Accessory Structure information can be viewed in Section 18.510.060.