---
title: "What Is Setback? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "A setback is the minimum distance zoning requires between a building and a lot line, such as the front, side, or rear property line."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/setback
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Home office behind a steel-framed glass wall next to the stair](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/ladoga-office.Dn6ZH9BQ_Z1H6zSM.avif)

# Setback

A setback is the minimum distance zoning requires between a building and a lot line, such as the front, side, or rear property line.

Setbacks leave open yards around a building. Tampa zoning divides a lot into four basic yards, and each zoning district sets its own required distances. The City says zoning affects the height and bulk of buildings, lot coverage and yards.

A setback limits where the house can sit on a lot. It works together with [lot coverage](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/lot-coverage) and [building height limits](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-height-limit). Read the district rules for a lot before you design, because they set the building footprint. See [building on your lot](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-on-your-lot-tampa) and the [South Tampa builder page](https://build813.multisites.ai/custom-home-builder-south-tampa).

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Lot coverage](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/lot-coverage)
-   [Building height limit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-height-limit)
-   [Zoning](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/zoning)
-   [Floor area ratio](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/floor-area-ratio)

## Sources

1.  [City of Tampa: Chapter 27 Zoning and Land Development](https://www.tampa.gov/sites/default/files/content/files/migrated/chapter_27-289.56supp_81_ch27_9_10_13.pdf)
2.  [City of Tampa: ABCs of Zoning (2023)](https://www.tampa.gov/sites/default/files/document/2023/abcs-of-zoning-module-one.pdf)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)