Zoning Guide

Glendale Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Last updated: Verified:

Fact-checked against Glendale's current Unified Development Code on September 20, 2026.

Glendale's current Unified Development Code uses a detailed single-residence development table. The previous page's approximate R1-6 pattern omitted important distinctions between living-area and garage front setbacks and did not reflect the current side-yard format.

Current Single-Residence Standards

Table 2.300-2 currently provides:

Zone Min. Lot Area Front Side Rear Max. Coverage Max. Height
R1-10 10,000 sq ft 15–20 ft 10 ft 25 ft 40% 30 ft
R1-8 8,000 sq ft 15–20 ft 5 ft & 10 ft 20 ft 40% 30 ft
R1-7 7,000 sq ft 15–20 ft 5 ft & 10 ft 20 ft 40% 30 ft
R1-6 6,000 sq ft 15–20 ft 5 ft & 10 ft 20 ft 40% 30 ft
R1-4 4,000 sq ft 15–20 ft 0–10 ft 15 ft 45% 30 ft

The table explains the 15–20-ft front range: 15 ft applies to living area, side-entry garages, or a covered front porch, while 20 ft applies to front-entry garages and carports.

For R1-8, R1-7, and R1-6, the code also requires a minimum 15-ft separation between buildings on adjacent lots.

Other Current Rules

The current code includes separate multiple-residence tables, middle-housing provisions, accessory-use rules, and special development standards. PAD or other site-specific approvals can also modify base requirements.

Airport and military-vicinity rules can affect development in parts of Glendale.

Arizona ADU Law

The previous page incorrectly stated that Arizona has no statewide ADU preemption law.

A.R.S. §9-461.18 establishes statewide requirements for covered municipalities, including permitted attached and detached ADUs and limits on parking, design, setbacks, height, lot size, coverage, and frontage restrictions. A municipality may not require an ADU rear or side setback greater than 5 ft.

Glendale's local rules must be applied consistently with that statute.

How to Check a Property

  1. Confirm the exact zoning district.
  2. Use Table 2.300-2 for single-residence principal structures.
  3. Read the table notes for front and side setbacks.
  4. Check accessory, middle-housing, PAD, airport, and special-development rules.
  5. Confirm parcel-specific conditions with Glendale Planning.

Official Sources

This guide is informational only. Current code, state law, overlays, and parcel-specific approvals control.

More about Glendale Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsBuilding Permits

Sources

  1. Glendale Zoning Ordinance (Municipal Code)·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. City of Glendale Planning Department·glendaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link

FAQ

What are the setback requirements in Glendale single-family zones?
For the common R1-6 single-family zone in Glendale, expect a front setback of around 20 ft, interior side setbacks of 5 ft, and a rear setback of 20 ft. Larger-lot zones like R1-8 and R1-10 generally require wider side setbacks. Always verify your specific zone on the Glendale zoning map.
What is the maximum building height for a house in Glendale?
Maximum building height in Glendale's single-family residential zones (R1-6, R1-8, R1-10) is typically 30 ft, measured from average grade to the highest point of the roof. Multi-family (R-3) and commercial zones allow greater height.
How big of a house can I build on my Glendale lot?
The size of the house is controlled by setbacks, height, and lot coverage. After subtracting required setbacks from your lot and applying lot coverage limits, you can estimate the maximum building footprint. Glendale residential zones typically allow roughly 40–50% lot coverage — confirm your district's exact figure in the zoning ordinance.
Can eaves or chimneys encroach into a setback in Glendale?
Glendale's zoning ordinance allows certain architectural features — eaves, chimneys, bay windows, uncovered porches — to project a limited distance into required setbacks. Check the encroachment section of the zoning code and confirm with planning staff before finalizing plans.