Building Department

Building Department
12830 S. Redwood Road
Riverton, Utah 84065
(801) 208-3127

CHECKS ONLY accepted in this department

How Close Can I Build to My Property Line?

One of the most common questions we are asked in the Planning Department regarding the use of property is "How close to my property line can I build?" The distance between a structure and the property line is called the "setback". There are several factors that determine how close to a property line a home, garage, or other structure can be placed. In the single-family residential zones of the City, setbacks to the side property line for a home are eight and ten feet, with the ten-foot setback on the garage side of the home. The front and rear setbacks for a home vary depending on the zoning of the property, but typically are between twenty-two and twenty-eight feet in the front, and twenty-five and thirty feet in the rear. For accessory buildings such as garages or sheds, the setbacks are five feet to the side and rear, and ten feet of separation from the main structure. Barns or agricultural buildings must be a minimum of 40 feet from any structure. Please contact the Planning Department for detailed information on the required setbacks for each individual zone.

In Riverton City, setbacks are measured from the foundation of the structure to the property line.

One other issue regarding setbacks is public utility easements, or PUE’s, as they are often referred to. On many lots, a public utility easement has been reserved on some or all of the property lines to facilitate installation and maintenance of public utilities such as gas and electric lines. If a public utility easement exists on a property line, no structure can be built within that easement without a release from all of the utility companies, regardless of Riverton City’s setback allowances.

• Building Permit Application

• Owner/Builder Declaration Form

• Building Permits Required

• Land Disturbance Permit Application

• Water Meter Set Up

• Accessory Structures

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If you have any questions regarding property line setbacks, or regarding public utility easements, please feel free to contact the Planning Department at 208-3130.