title: "Setback, Lot Size & Building Requirements — Quick Reference"
jurisdiction: city
source: Lowry Crossing Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 14)
sourceUrl:
lastUpdated: "2025-10-14"
relevance: "Frequently asked: building setbacks, property line distances, minimum lot sizes, accessory buildings, fences, building height limits"
Setback, Lot Size & Building Requirements — Quick Reference
> This is a consolidated reference of the most commonly asked residential zoning standards
> from the City of Lowry Crossing Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 14). For full legal text, see
> the [Code of Ordinances]().
What is a setback?
A setback is the minimum distance a structure must be from a property line. In Lowry Crossing,
setbacks are measured from the property line (or road easement edge, whichever is applicable)
to the nearest wall of the building. Setbacks apply to the main dwelling, detached garages,
sheds, carports, and other structures. Fences have separate rules (see below).
Residential District Setback & Lot Table
| District | Min Lot Area | Min Lot Width | Min Lot Depth | Front Yard | Side Yard | Rear Yard | Max Height | Min Dwelling Size |
|----------|-------------|--------------|--------------|------------|-----------|-----------|------------|-------------------|
| A (Agricultural) | 3 acres | 200 ft | 300 ft | 50 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft (2½ stories) | 1,800 sq ft |
| RE (Rural Estate) | 2 acres (87,120 sq ft) | 150 ft | 250 ft | 50 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft (2½ stories) | 1,800 sq ft |
| R-1 (Single Family) | 1 acre (43,560 sq ft) | 100 ft | 200 ft | 50 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft | 35 ft (2½ stories) | 1,800 sq ft |
| R-4 (Single Family, Higher Density) | 10,000 sq ft | 75 ft | 100 ft | 25 ft | 7.5 ft (15 ft for corner) | 15 ft | 35 ft (2½ stories) | 1,600 sq ft |
| 2F (Two-Family/Duplex) | 1 acre | — | — | 50 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft | 35 ft | 1,600 sq ft per unit |
Key notes on setbacks:
- Front yard setbacks are measured from the edge of the road easement (not the center of the road).
- In the RE district, the side and rear yard setbacks are measured from the property line or road easement, whichever applies.
- Corner lots in R-4 require a 15 ft side yard on the street-facing side (instead of 7.5 ft).
- A variance from setback requirements may be obtained from the Board of Adjustment if the property has unusual hardship conditions (§ 14.03.006).
Commercial & Industrial District Setbacks
| District | Front Yard | Side Yard | Rear Yard | Notes |
|----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------|
| O (Office) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | 60 ft front if front-yard parking |
| RET (Retail) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | 60 ft front if front-yard parking |
| HC (Highway Commercial) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | 60 ft front if front-yard parking |
| C (Commercial) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | — |
| LI (Light Industrial) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | — |
| HI (Heavy Industrial) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | — |
Accessory Buildings (Sheds, Barns, Workshops)
Lowry Crossing defines two categories:
Minor accessory buildings (≤ 200 sq ft)
- May be placed in the rear yard
- Must comply with all setback requirements for the district
- No building permit required under most circumstances, but must meet setbacks
Major accessory buildings (> 200 sq ft)
- Maximum two (2) per property
- Combined with the main dwelling, total lot coverage must not exceed 30% of the lot area
- Sidewall height: ≤ 16 feet
- Any accessory building over 10,000 sq ft requires an exception from the Board of Adjustment
- Must meet the same front, side, and rear yard setbacks as the main dwelling
- No accessory building may be placed in the front yard area
Detached garages
- Permitted as accessory use
- Must meet all setback requirements
- In RE and A districts: minimum 2 enclosed parking spaces behind the front yard line
Parking Requirements
- Residential: Minimum 2 enclosed parking spaces (behind front yard line) for all districts
- No parking area within 10 feet of the front property line
- No parking area within 5 feet of the rear property line
- Campers, RVs, and boats must be stored behind the front yard setback line
Fences
Fences in Lowry Crossing are regulated by Chapter 3 (Building Regulations):
- Front yard fences: Generally limited to 4 feet in height
- Side and rear yard fences: Up to 8 feet permitted
- Materials must be weather-appropriate; barbed wire restricted to agricultural zoning
- A fence permit is required for most fence installations
- Fence permit fee: See the City Fee Schedule
Maximum Lot Coverage
- All residential districts: 30% maximum lot coverage
- "Lot coverage" = total footprint of all buildings and paved areas on the lot
- Easements, setbacks, and zoning constraints reduce the net usable land available
How to determine your property lines and setbacks
- Check your plat/survey: Your original property survey (from when you bought the home) shows exact property lines and easements.
- Contact Collin CAD: The Collin Central Appraisal District has property maps and legal descriptions.
- Determine your zoning district: Ask City Hall (972-542-8678) or check the city zoning map. Most residential properties in Lowry Crossing are zoned RE (Rural Estate) or R-1.
- Apply the setbacks from the table above to your property lines.
- For variances: Contact the Board of Adjustment through City Hall.
Common questions
Q: How far from my property line can I build a shed?
A: Same setbacks as your main house — typically 15–20 ft from the side and rear property lines, depending on your zoning district. A shed in R-1 must be at least 15 ft from the side property line and 15 ft from the rear property line.
Q: Can I build right up to the property line?
A: No. All structures must observe the minimum setbacks for your zoning district. Even fences have location rules.
Q: What if I need to build closer than the setback allows?
A: You may apply for a variance from the Board of Adjustment. You must demonstrate a hardship unique to your property (e.g., unusual lot shape).
Q: How close to the road can I build?
A: The front yard setback in most Lowry Crossing residential districts is 50 feet from the road easement edge. In R-4, it's 25 feet.
Q: Where can I find my property lines?
A: Your original property survey, or contact Collin Central Appraisal District (collincad.org) for property maps. You can also hire a licensed surveyor.