What does the term 'setback' refer to in zoning regulations?

The term 'setback' in zoning regulations refers to the distance required between a building and a property line. This requirement is established to ensure adequate space between structures, providing for aspects such as safety, privacy, and aesthetic considerations within a community. By mandating setbacks, local zoning laws aim to protect the rights and interests of neighboring property owners and to maintain the overall character of the area.

This definition aligns with the concept of how properties are developed in relation to one another, ensuring that there is physical space between structures, which can help prevent overcrowding and can provide room for landscaping, access to light, and other environmental benefits.

When considering the other choices, they relate to different aspects of zoning but do not define the term 'setback.' Height restrictions pertain to how tall a building can be, maximum square footage refers to the total area that can be constructed, and minimum lot size deals with the size required for the development of a property. Each of these regulations plays a role in zoning but does not encapsulate the essence of what a setback represents.