What zoning requirement prohibits construction outside required setbacks?

Setback requirements are specific zoning regulations that dictate the minimum distance that structures must be located from property lines, roads, or other designated areas. These requirements are established to ensure safety, aesthetics, and adequate light and air for adjacent properties. When a zoning law specifies setbacks, it essentially prohibits construction that encroaches on those designated areas, promoting orderly development and reducing potential nuisances between properties.

In the context of zoning, a setback is a fundamental mechanism that protects the integrity of neighborhoods and maintains property values. It prevents overcrowding and ensures that buildings have enough space around them to accommodate various uses, such as landscaping, drainage, and access. Understanding the purpose of setback requirements is crucial for anyone involved in real estate, as failure to comply can lead to legal issues or denial of building permits.

The other options, while relevant to real estate, do not specifically refer to the requirements that dictate distances from property lines or the regulations that enforce those distances. For instance, a buffer zone typically refers to areas designed to separate different land uses rather than specifically addressing construction setbacks. Encroachment describes the act of violating a setback, and infill refers to development within already built-up areas rather than the regulations governing how far a building can be from property lines.