As a general rule, it is proposed that residential buildings within the densest area in the center of towns should be a minimum distance from front and rear boundaries to permit a light angle of 30 degrees. The light angle is measured between a vertical line from ground at the front (or back) fence and a line joining the highest point of the eaves (or parapet) to the same point at ground level.

The distance to front and back fences should be a minimum of 1/3 the height of the building. The road width has to be added if a road runs between the buildings. Light angles are used here as measurement of distance and not to secure a minimum quantity of light. As the sun stands high all year round the problem is not to provide light, but adequate ventilation and to avoid crowding and overlooking in to property. Setbacks are usually measured from the boundary line to the outer most parts of the building, unless otherwise specified.

Standard Minimum Setbacks from the Property Boundary

• General Building Setbacks

  • Front (ft): 10'
  • Rear (ft): 10'
  • Sides (ft): 4'

• Approved Subdivision Setbacks

  • Front (ft): 10'
  • Rear (ft): 15'
  • Sides (ft): 10'

• Setbacks for Congested Areas

  Area/Settlements to which standards are applicable: Central Roseau, Newtown, Loubiere, Pointe Michel, Soufriere, Scotts Head, Massacre, Mahaut, Layou, St. Joseph, Mero, Salisbury, Coulibistrie, Dublanc, Bioche, Central Portsmouth and Lagoon.

  • Front (ft): 5' or building line
  • Rear (ft): 5'6"
  • Sides (ft): 2.8'

  Standards for congested areas outside of legal subdivisions (PDF, 197 KB)

• Setbacks from Roads

  The location, the type of road and its size would determine the category of road which in turn would determine the setback required from the boundary line. There may be some overlapping as in some cases a secondary road could also be a main road (primary) or even a residential collector. In approved subdivisions this would be made clear.

  Setbacks from Roads (PDF, 73 KB).

For more information see page 16 of Section 1 - Development Standards (PDF, 287 KB) and page 36 of Section 3 - Roads and Parking (PDF, 240 KB) of the Minimum Property Standards. Also see information regarding Access and Roads.