A setback is the minimum distance a structure must be built from a property line. These are legal requirements set by local governments through zoning laws to ensure space for light, air, utilities, and emergency access, and to maintain community aesthetics.
Setback distances are often different on the front, sides, and rear of a lot.
You can display setbacks in Giraffe using simple drawing tools, or with the Envelope flow node.
Simple
Use the basic drawing and editing tools in Giraffe to adjust a polygon.
Copy the parcel area
Add a parcel layer, or use your project boundary.
Right click -> Mouse over the desired item from the list -> select "Create"
A generic polygon that matches the exact parcel area is added to the map.
If your parcels has lots of extra control points, you may want to simplify.
Click any control point to remove.
Extrude the edges
Review your zoning code to understand the front, side, and rear setbacks.
Select the drag handles on the edge you want to adjust.
Move the edge the direction of the setback.
Type the setback distance on your keyboard
Release the mouse.
Repeat for each edge.
Apply a Usage
Apply a usage to the resulting shape. We recommend the Parcel usage.
You could also create your own, or use a Land Use usage to also define the maximum height.
Create & Lock Drawing Layer
Click the Layer selector in the properties palette. Select "New Layer"
Name the layer "Setbacks"
Move your polygon to the Setbacks layer.
Lock the layer to prevent accidentally moving your setbacks.
Envelope
You can also use the Envelope flow node to generate complex setbacks and sloping airspace.
Copy the parcel area
Add a parcel layer, or use your project boundary.
Right click -> Mouse over the desired item from the list -> select "Create"
A generic polygon that matches the exact parcel area is added to the map.
If your parcels has lots of extra control points, you may want to simplify.
Click any control point to remove.
Add the Envelope Flow
Search the Content Library for "Envelope"
Import the Envelope pack to your project.
A Basic Envelope drops onto your map. Use the Y shortcut to eyedropper the envelope onto your site polygon.
Adjust the Envelope Height
Input the maximum height for the envelope into the property. The envelope adjusts to this height.
Adjust the Envelope Sides
Edit the envelope sides in the property settings (Learn more in the Envelope docs).
Then, assign the sides to your geometry. Use
Shift+Ato enter edit mode, then select sides from the pet menus. Either edit the setbacks from the Envelope properties, or click and drag in the pet menu.
Create & Lock Drawing Layer
Click the Layer selector in the properties palette. Select "New Layer"
Name the layer "Setbacks"
Move your envelope to the Setbacks layer.
Lock the layer to prevent accidentally moving your setbacks.