Setbacks & Height Limits in Yonkers

This guide explains the basic setback and height rules that apply to residential construction in Yonkers. These numbers depend on your exact zoning district (Chapter 43 of the Code of Ordinances), overlay zones, and lot geometry, so always confirm with the City of Yonkers Planning Bureau before finalizing plans.

What Are Setbacks?

A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a lot line. Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest point of the building (typically the wall, but eaves, bay windows, and chimneys can have their own rules).

Yonkers's zoning ordinance specifies front, side, and rear setbacks (often called "yards" in the code) separately for each district. Corner lots have two "front" setbacks (one per street frontage) and typically one interior side and one rear.

Typical Residential Setbacks

For the most common single-family residential zones in Yonkers, expect approximately:

These are the values listed for the primary districts in the Yonkers zoning ordinance. Intermediate single-family and two-family districts (B, C) generally fall between the Zone A and Zone D numbers. Townhouse and planned development districts have their own dimensional tables.

Height Limits

Maximum building height in Yonkers residential zones depends on the district:

• Zone A (Single-Family) — 35 ft
• Zone D (Multi-Family) — 55 ft
• Zone BA (Business A) — 60 ft

Height is generally measured from average grade to the highest point of the roof, with specific rules for pitched roofs, parapets, and mechanical equipment in Chapter 43.

Height rules get more complicated in:

• Hillside areas — eastern Yonkers has significant topography, and height can be measured from existing grade
• Waterfront planned development zones — negotiated heights along the Hudson River corridor
• Historic districts — height may be capped by neighborhood context
• Transit-oriented development zones — may permit greater height near Metro-North stations

Lot Coverage and FAR

Beyond setbacks and height, two other numbers shape how much you can build:

• Lot coverage — the percentage of the lot covered by buildings. Single-family residential zones in Yonkers typically allow around 25–30% coverage; higher-density zones allow more.
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — the ratio of total floor area to lot area. A FAR of 0.5 on a 5,000 sq ft lot allows 2,500 sq ft of floor area.

Yonkers applies FAR primarily in higher-density residential, business, and planned development districts. Check Chapter 43 for the dimensional schedule that applies to your zone.

Common Exceptions and Encroachments

Most zoning codes allow certain features to project into required setbacks. Typical allowances in Yonkers include:

• Eaves and gutters (usually up to 2 ft)
• Chimneys (up to 2 ft)
• Uncovered porches, stoops, and steps
• Air conditioning condensers (subject to sound limits)
• Bay windows (limited projection)

Fences, retaining walls, and accessory structures have separate rules — check the accessory structures section of Chapter 43.

State ADU Overrides

If your project is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), New York's 2024 ADU legislation provides some baseline protections, but local Yonkers setback and height rules still govern most dimensional questions. Yonkers applies reduced setbacks (5 ft side and rear) and a 20 ft height cap for ADUs. See the ADU rules page for this city.

How to Look Up Your Specific Requirements

1. Find your zoning district — contact the Planning Bureau at (914) 377-6150 or use the city's online GIS mapping tools
2. Read the district regulations — your zone's section in Chapter 43 of the Code of Ordinances lists setbacks, height, lot coverage, and FAR
3. Check for overlays — waterfront, historic districts, and transit-oriented zones can modify the base rules
4. Ask planning staff — the Planning Bureau can confirm dimensional requirements before you commit to design

Variances

If your project cannot meet the strict letter of the zoning code, you may apply to the Yonkers Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance — a formal request to deviate from the rules based on hardship specific to your lot. Variances are discretionary and require public hearings. See the Variance Application Guide for the general process.

Official Sources

See the sources linked in the frontmatter for the Yonkers zoning ordinance (Chapter 43) and the Planning Bureau. This guide is informational and is not a substitute for direct confirmation from planning staff.