How we verify rules

Most permit guides online copy each other. One popular site tells Denver homeowners that sheds over 120 sq ft need a permit; Denver’s own page sets the line at 200 sq ft of roof area. SetbackIQ is built to avoid that kind of error, and to tell you when it might be wrong.

Every rule points at its source

Each threshold in SetbackIQ is stored with the city page or code section it came from, a short quote, and the date a person last read it. You see all three under every answer. If a rule comes from a secondary source, it is labeled that way and its confidence drops.

Confidence levels

High means the city states the rule in plain language on its own site and we checked it in the last 90 days. Medium means the rule comes from code text, an older city document, or two city sources that disagree. Low means we have no verified rule for that city, so the answer follows the model building code (IRC). Low-confidence answers always tell you to call the building department.

When the city contradicts itself

San Francisco’s building department says an exempt shed can be 120 sq ft and 10 ft tall. The city’s general permit page says under 100 sq ft of roof and 8 ft. We apply the stricter reading and show both, because building to the looser one could cost you a permit after the fact.

Map data

Addresses are matched with the US Census geocoder. Zoning districts come from each city’s public GIS layer, lot outlines from the county parcel map, and flood zones from FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer. When a map service is down or an address sits on a district boundary, the result says so instead of guessing.

Staying current

Rules are re-checked every 90 days. A city page whose rules haven’t been re-checked in that window drops out of search results automatically until someone confirms it.

What SetbackIQ is not

It is not a zoning determination, a survey, or legal advice. HOA covenants and deed restrictions are not included. For a binding answer, ask the city for a written zoning verification.

Found an error? Send it to us with the address and the city page that says otherwise. Corrections are reviewed within a week. See what we cover.