questions about setbacks

[dog walker]

I live in Folsom, CA. I want to build a carport on the side of my house but I am having a hard time understanding the setbacks and such. The side of my house opposite of my garage has a driveway for RV access, then a gate that enters the side of the house which is 24' wide at the front and ends up being about 29' wide at about 30' deep. at that point I have a fence, but my backyard goes another 40' or so.

After searching around it sounds like I can build a structure 6' from my house, and 3' from my property line. Okay, so minus 9' from my 24' leaves me at 18'. But is that from foundation to foundation, foundation to fence line? or Eave overhang to eave overhang? And eave overhang to fence line? I'm confused, please help if you can.

I'm hoping to build a 18-20' x 30' carport pole barn style, then in stages finishing it off into a shop.

At some point I guess I will end up going to the county for answers, but was hoping to get some initial help from you guys. Thanks,

 

[brownbagg]

from property line to anything constructed

 

[dog walker]

Thank you.

 

[Cyberbear]

In my area it's from property line to structure, which usually means foundation. The wall covering is a minor thing and the inspectors usually aren't too fussy about an inch or so.

 

[kbs2244]

You should talk to your local inspector.
Very often a eve overhang is included in the measurement.

 

[EdT]

All the well meaning comments from the folks on this site don't mean anything unless one of the respondents is the guy who's going to inspect your project and even then it may not mean anything. The judgement of the person who'll be doing the inspection is the only one that matters. My experience with inspectors has been quite positive so just go to the planning office, let them know what you are thinking about and ask them how the setbacks work for what you want to do. You're going to have to talk to them sooner or later. Keep in mind that, at least in my experience, what they think the rules say is what's important even if that's not what the rules actually say or what you think they say.

 

[nadogail]

All the well meaning comments from the folks on this site don't mean anything unless one of the respondents is the guy who's going to inspect your project and even then it may not mean anything. The judgement of the person who'll be doing the inspection is the only one that matters. My experience with inspectors has been quite positive so just go to the planning office, let them know what you are thinking about and ask them how the setbacks work for what you want to do. You're going to have to talk to them sooner or later. Keep in mind that, at least in my experience, what they think the rules say is what's important even if that's not what the rules actually say or what you think they say.

IMHO, this poster nailed it. All I have to add is "you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar". Just be respectful and non argumentative. You will find most of the building departments are staffed with folks who would rather keep you out of trouble than write violation notices.

 

[Jess]

Most jurisdictions use the 'shadow line' meaning the closest part of the structure has to meet the setback. This in theory is to prevent the eves from almost touching. I also echo the other comments about checking with your Building dept for the appropriate answers. I have been fortunate over the years by going to seek advise first and then making my decisions once I know the rules. It never hurts to build a good relationship with those you need to deal with as it will pave the way for a smooth journey later.

 

[Ilikeike]

You better call the city's building and planning dept.
They tell you the setback and how tall it can be depending on how far back you are.
And some cities you can only build a permanent detached structure a certain size ,depending on your lot size. Then you might have CC&Rs or HOA.... and this is Ca. after all. and bring/draw a basic plan of what you want to build if you go to city hall.

My wife works for a city in building and planning. lots of local ordinances to follow. thank your local elected officials if you disagree.

 

[dog walker]

Thanks for all the good information and suggestions.

 

[maxpower_hd]

When I built mine in MA is was stated that it meant "any part of the structure" So for example you can't build a foundation then extend the structure out over it. Or build an eave that sticks out 4 feet.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

BTW: It's all based off of the surveyed property line. Not fences, gates, posts, trees, who mows what or where your dog pees.
Then there is possibility of variance. (By the code I needed something like 100 ft, I got a variance to build with a 3' setback).

 

[pmiranda]

Dumb question... why not build attached so you can maximize your useful space?

 

[dog walker]

Dumb question... why not build attached so you can maximize your useful space?

Not dumb, its that the garage is on the opposite side of the house, so it would look weird having a garage on both sides of the house. I just dont think it would look right. But really I'm still thinking of all possibilities.