Yard Rules & Zoning Guides
Thinking about a fence, a shed, a deck, a pool or a backyard cottage? Start with your ZIP code to get a printable checklist of what typically applies and the exact questions to take to your local planning and building department.
Start with your address
The yard rules checker identifies your state and city from your ZIP code, then builds a checklist for the project you have in mind.
Open the yard rules checker →Choose your project
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
A secondary living unit on the same lot as a primary home, such as a garage conversion, basement apartment or detached backyard cottage.
View the accessory dwelling unit (adu) guide →Fence
A boundary or screen structure, including privacy fences, pool barriers and corner-lot sight triangles.
View the fence guide →Storage Shed
A small accessory structure used for storage, tools or equipment, typically without permanent utilities.
View the storage shed guide →Deck and Patio
An outdoor platform or paved area, including raised decks, landings, stairs and guard rails.
View the deck and patio guide →Swimming Pool
An in-ground or above-ground pool, spa or hot tub, together with its required safety barrier.
View the swimming pool guide →Chicken Coop
A structure for keeping backyard poultry, including the coop, run and any outdoor enclosure.
View the chicken coop guide →Driveway and Curb Cut
A vehicle access route from the street to parking on the lot, including the kerb or culvert opening.
View the driveway and curb cut guide →Tree Removal and Protected Trees
Regulated trees on private property, including removal permits, replacement planting and protected species.
View the tree removal and protected trees guide →Frequently asked questions
Why can ZoneFig not tell me the exact rule for my address?
Yard and zoning rules in the United States are adopted by cities, towns and counties, and there are tens of thousands of jurisdictions. Rather than guess, ZoneFig identifies your state and city from your ZIP code, shows what typically applies, and gives you a checklist of questions to take to your local planning and building department, which is the only binding source for your property.
Do I need a permit for a small shed?
Many jurisdictions exempt small accessory structures below a set floor area, often around 120 to 200 square feet. The exemption usually still requires the structure to meet setback and height rules, and it often ends if you add a permanent foundation or utilities. Confirm the threshold and the setbacks with your local department before you build.
How tall can my backyard fence be?
Rear and side yard fences are commonly allowed up to about six feet, while front yard fences are more often limited to three or four feet, especially where sight distance matters at corners and driveways. Pool barriers follow a stricter standard than general boundary fences. Your city or county code sets the actual height for each yard type.
What is an ADU and is it allowed where I live?
An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary living space on the same lot as a primary home, such as a garage conversion or a detached backyard cottage. Several states now require cities to approve ADUs that meet objective standards, but size caps, setbacks and utility rules vary. Ask your planning department whether a state ADU statute applies to your parcel and whether the city has its own conforming ordinance.
ZoneFig provides general reference information, not legal advice. Yard and zoning rules are adopted locally, so the only binding answer for your address comes from your city, town or county planning and building department. Typical thresholds shown here describe patterns across many jurisdictions and are not the rule at any specific property.