The term "setback" can be defined as the distance between a building and a property boundary. Setback are limitations or restrictions imposed on the owner of a property, in the context of public policies such as environmental protection, privacy, safety, etc.
Setbacks prohibit and prevent the owner of the property from overcrowding the properties of others. This practice also enables the safe placement of pipelines, and preserves wetlands. The buyer of a property is usually made aware of any setback provision on the property before he or she makes the purchase.