1. What is Building Coverage Percentage?

Building Coverage Percentage represents the proportion of a lot that is covered by building structures. It's a crucial zoning and planning metric that helps regulate development density and ensure adequate open space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the coverage formula:

Where:

• Building Area — Total area covered by building footprint (sq ft)
• Lot Area — Total area of the property lot (sq ft)

Explanation: This calculation determines what percentage of the total lot area is occupied by building structures, helping ensure compliance with local zoning regulations.

3. Importance of Coverage Calculation

Details: Calculating building coverage is essential for zoning compliance, urban planning, stormwater management, and maintaining adequate green space and setbacks in developments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter building area and lot area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers, and building area cannot exceed lot area. The result shows the coverage percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered in building area?
A: Building area typically includes all structures with roofs, such as main buildings, garages, sheds, and covered porches. Open decks and patios are usually excluded.

Q2: What are typical coverage limits?
A: Coverage limits vary by zoning district, but typically range from 20-40% for residential areas and 60-80% for commercial/industrial zones.

Q3: How does coverage differ from Floor Area Ratio (FAR)?
A: Coverage measures horizontal footprint, while FAR measures total building area across all floors. A two-story building with 50% coverage has 100% FAR.

Q4: Are there exceptions to coverage calculations?
A: Some jurisdictions may exclude certain structures like eaves, bay windows, or uncovered steps from coverage calculations. Always check local regulations.

Q5: Why is coverage percentage important?
A: It helps control development density, ensures adequate open space, manages stormwater runoff, and maintains neighborhood character and privacy.