How does Ferndale's contextual front setback averaging work?

On built-out blocks, your front setback is set by your neighbors, not the standard number. Where 50 percent or more of the block frontage is built, the front setback must fall within plus or minus 5 feet of the average of the five adjacent lots in each direction, dropping the greatest and least values from the calculation (Section 2.06 footnote D).

The result can go below the standard 15 foot minimum. If the houses on your block average 12 feet from the street, your allowed range is roughly 7 to 17 feet. The contextual rule controls, so a shallower setback than 15 feet can be required territory rather than a variance case.

Steps to apply it:

• Identify the five built lots on each side of yours.
• Drop the greatest and least setbacks.
• Average the rest, then add and subtract 5 feet for your range.

Have the city verify your numbers before design. Community and Economic Development is at 248-336-4370.