FAQs

What are the typical setback requirements for room additions and accessory structures?: Setbacks will vary according to zoning district. Most of the Town is zoned “Surrounding Residential”, which has the following setback requirements: *Room additions: - Front yard setback to house: 15 ft. - Front yard setback to garage: 25 ft. (new construction) - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot): 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. *Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, open sided patio covers): - Front yard setback: 20 ft. - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot:) 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. (can be reduced to 5 ft. for structures under 500 sq. ft.) *Additional setbacks:6 ft. from main house and any other accessory structures

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Planning

1. How high can I build my fence? Is a permit required?: Fencing between the house and street is limited to 3 feet in height with no building permit required. Side and rear yard fencing is generally limited to 6 feet in height (no permit required), although up to two additional feet of open lattice is permitted with a building permit. On corner lots, street sideyard fencing over 3 feet in height must be set back at least 10 feet from the property line.

2. How do I make a complaint (Zoning Ordinance related)?: Planning Department policy prohibits us from taking anonymous complaints. Be prepared to furnish your full name, address, phone number and the address of the Zoning Ordinance violation. Call the Planning Department/Code Enforcement at (707) 838-1021 and ask to speak with a Planner.

3. What are the typical setback requirements for room additions and accessory structures?: Setbacks will vary according to zoning district. Most of the Town is zoned “Surrounding Residential”, which has the following setback requirements: *Room additions: - Front yard setback to house: 15 ft. - Front yard setback to garage: 25 ft. (new construction) - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot): 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. *Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, open sided patio covers): - Front yard setback: 20 ft. - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot:) 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. (can be reduced to 5 ft. for structures under 500 sq. ft.) *Additional setbacks:6 ft. from main house and any other accessory structures

4. What is the Zoning and General Plan land use of a property?: At this time, site specific zoning information is not available on the Town of Windsor’s website. Please call the Planning Department at (707) 838-1021 to speak with a Planner.