Apple Valley, MN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Apple Valley measures lot coverage through impervious surface. Section 155.003 defines lot coverage as the aggregate coverage area of building coverage and impervious surface area of a lot, and § 155.350(B) sets the limits for a lot or parcel with a one-family detached dwelling (house) or a two-family attached dwelling (twinhome). The table reads: 10,000 sq. ft. or greater, 35%; 9,999 sq. ft. to 7,500 sq. ft., 40%; 7,499 sq. ft. to 6,000 sq. ft., 45%; less than 6,000 sq. ft., 50%. Actual lot area is rounded up to the nearest whole number to determine the lot size tier.

What counts is broad. The definition of impervious surface in § 155.003 covers a constructed surface of brick, stone, concrete, asphalt, gravel or similar impermeable material, including building roofs, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, concrete or asphalt paving, sport courts, tennis courts and swimming pools. A deck is not impervious if the surface under it is pervious or if runoff from the deck is not controlled by a drainage system such as gutters or diversion plates.

Section 155.350(B)(2) covers special cases. Lots in a PD (Planned Development) district follow the table unless the ordinance establishing the PD addresses impervious surface. Multi-family lots where the open space around the units is owned as a common interest community or other common property are not subject to the table.

Section 155.350(C) provides a relief valve of up to an additional 5% on a showing of good cause and installation of a city approved on-site stormwater management facility. The application goes to the City Clerk on the city's form, with an application fee and a performance security escrow in amounts set by City Council resolution.

Section 155.350(D) protects existing hardscape: a lot over the maximum as of April 30, 2018 is legal nonconforming, and its impervious area can be maintained, repaired or replaced but not expanded. If the lot is redeveloped in its entirety, the limits apply in full.