Kostenloser Lot Coverage Ratio Rechner
Berechnen Sie building coverage und impervious surface ratios for your lot. Check zoning compliance und determine remaining development capacity.
Building Coverage Ratio
25.0%
Building Coverage Ratio vs Total Lot Area (sq ft)
Formel
## Lot Coverage Ratio Lot coverage measures how much of a parcel is covered by buildings and impervious surfaces. Zoning codes use coverage limits to control density, manage stormwater, and preserve neighborhood character. ### Building Coverage Ratio **Building Coverage = Building Footprint / Lot Area x 100** This measures only the building footprint (first floor area), not total floor area. ### Impervious Coverage Ratio **Impervious Coverage = Total Impervious Surfaces / Lot Area x 100** Includes buildings, driveways, patios, walkways, and any surface that prevents water absorption. ### Why Coverage Matters - **Zoning compliance**: Most zones cap building coverage at 25-50% and impervious at 50-75% - **Stormwater management**: Higher impervious coverage increases runoff and may require detention facilities - **Neighborhood character**: Coverage limits prevent oversized buildings on small lots - **Permitting**: Exceeding coverage limits requires a variance, which is not guaranteed
Lösungsbeispiel
10,000 sq ft lot, 2,500 sq ft building footprint, 800 sq ft driveway/patio, 200 sq ft other impervious, 35% max building coverage, 60% max impervious.
- 01Building coverage: 2,500 / 10,000 = 25.0%
- 02Total impervious: 2,500 + 800 + 200 = 3,500 sq ft
- 03Impervious coverage: 3,500 / 10,000 = 35.0%
- 04Remaining building capacity: 3,500 - 2,500 = 1,000 sq ft
- 05Remaining impervious: 6,000 - 3,500 = 2,500 sq ft
- 06Open space: 10,000 - 3,500 = 6,500 sq ft (65.0%)
Häufig Gestellte Fragen
What is the difference between lot coverage and FAR?
Lot coverage measures the building footprint as a percentage of lot area (horizontal coverage). Floor Area Ratio (FAR) measures total building floor area relative to lot area (can exceed 100% with multi-story buildings). A 2-story building on 25% lot coverage has a 50% FAR.
Do decks count as lot coverage?
It depends on local zoning codes. Some jurisdictions count uncovered decks as impervious surface while others do not. Covered porches and patios typically count toward building coverage. Check your local zoning ordinance for specific definitions.
What if I exceed the maximum coverage?
You would need a zoning variance, which requires a public hearing and approval by the zoning board. Variances typically require proving a hardship related to the property itself (unusual shape, topography, etc.). Exceeding coverage without approval can result in stop-work orders and fines.