Does this count as building in the second row or not?
Some say yes, others say no. §34 Federal Building Code states:
(1) Within the continuously built-up parts of a town, a project is permissible if it fits in with the character of the immediate surroundings in terms of the type and extent of structural use, the construction method, and the plot area to be built on, and if the connection to public infrastructure is ensured. The type is a residential house, the extent is the floor area ratio/volume ratio, eaves and ridge height, and the construction method is open – seems to fit the surroundings (as said, the excerpt is too small). There is no mention of second row, but of buildable plot area. And the large multi-family house that you have as a direct neighbor helps you with a generous building window. Eccentric building authority staff might try to prevent the large setback. IMHO unjustly, but then your planner would be called on, who should have sufficient experience in §34 areas to refute the authority's arguments with expertise.