1. What is Lot Coverage Percentage?

Lot Coverage Percentage is a zoning measurement that determines what percentage of a land parcel is covered by buildings or structures. It helps municipalities regulate development density and preserve open space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Building Area — Total area covered by all buildings on the lot (ft²)
• Lot Area — Total area of the entire property lot (ft²)

Explanation: This calculation shows what percentage of your property is occupied by buildings versus open space.

3. Importance of Lot Coverage Calculation

Details: Calculating lot coverage is essential for compliance with local zoning regulations, property development planning, and understanding land use efficiency.

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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typically included in building area?
A: Building area includes all structures with roofs - main buildings, garages, sheds, and sometimes covered patios or porches depending on local regulations.

Q2: What are typical lot coverage limits?
A: Coverage limits vary by zoning district but typically range from 25-50% for residential areas and up to 80-90% for commercial districts.

Q3: Does lot coverage include driveways and sidewalks?
A: Typically no - lot coverage usually refers only to building footprint. Impervious surface coverage is a separate calculation that includes paved areas.

Q4: How do I measure building and lot areas?
A: Use property surveys, site plans, or physically measure dimensions. For irregular shapes, break into smaller regular shapes and sum the areas.

Q5: Why is my calculated percentage higher than zoning allows?
A: This may indicate non-compliant structures, measurement errors, or the need for variance approval from local zoning authorities.