What is the minimum distance a detached garage must be from the property line in Riverview NB?

In Riverview, a detached garage (classified as an accessory building) must typically be set back a minimum of 3 to 5 feet (approximately 1 to 1.5 metres) from both the side and rear property lines, though the exact requirement depends on your property's specific zoning designation. Riverview's zoning by-law establishes different setback requirements for different residential zones, and some zones may require greater distances, particularly on corner lots or lots adjacent to commercial zones.

Setback requirements for detached garages differ from the setbacks required for your main dwelling. Your house must meet more restrictive front, side, and rear setbacks — typically 20 to 25 feet from the front property line and 5 to 10 feet from side lines. A detached garage, as an accessory building, generally cannot be located in the front yard at all (it must be behind the front wall of the house) and must maintain the minimum side and rear setbacks established for accessory structures in your zone. The garage also cannot be placed over any utility easements, drainage easements, or municipal right-of-ways that cross your property, even if the accessory building setback would otherwise allow it.

Corner lots in Riverview have additional setback requirements on the flanking street side. The side of your lot that faces the secondary street is typically treated more like a front yard, meaning the setback on that side will be larger — often 10 to 15 feet rather than the 3 to 5 feet required on an interior side yard. This catches many homeowners off guard and can significantly reduce the buildable area on a corner lot. If your property is a corner lot, verify the flanking street setback before designing your garage.

Riverview is part of the Greater Moncton area and has a well-established planning and building inspection department. Before you finalize your garage plans, take these steps to confirm your exact setback requirements. First, obtain or locate your property survey — this is the legal document that shows your exact property boundaries, lot dimensions, and any easements. Without a survey, you are guessing where your property lines are, and guessing can lead to building a garage that encroaches on your neighbour's property or on a municipal easement. If you do not have a recent survey, a New Brunswick land surveyor can prepare one for approximately $1,500 to $3,000 depending on lot complexity. Second, contact Riverview's planning department and provide your civic address and property identifier (PID) number. They can tell you your zoning designation and the specific setback requirements that apply. Third, have your garage contractor or designer prepare a site plan showing the proposed garage location with measured distances to all property lines.

Building a garage too close to the property line creates serious problems. If the encroachment is discovered during construction, the building inspector will issue a stop-work order and you may be required to move the foundation — which effectively means starting over. If the encroachment is discovered after construction, you may face legal action from your neighbour, be required to obtain a retroactive variance (which may or may not be granted), or in worst cases, be ordered to demolish the structure. Your homeowner's insurance may also exclude claims related to an improperly sited structure.

If your lot is small or unusually shaped and the standard setbacks prevent you from building the garage you need, you can apply to Riverview's Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance to reduce the setback. You will need to demonstrate that strict compliance would create genuine hardship and that the reduced setback will not adversely affect neighbouring properties. Having the support (or at least the non-objection) of the affected neighbour strengthens your application considerably. Get matched with a garage contractor for a free estimate on your Riverview project through New Brunswick Garages.