San Bernardino County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

The Development Code defines lot coverage as the maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures and impervious surfaces, and sets the figure by land use zoning district in the residential development standards tables. In the Valley Region (Table 82-9A): the RL (Rural Living) district allows a maximum of 20%; the RM (Multiple Residential) district allows 60%; and the RS (Single Residential) district allows coverage of the entire building envelope on lots smaller than 20,000 sq ft (still subject to setback, Building Code, and Composite Development Plan requirements), or 40% on lots of 20,000 sq ft or larger. In the Mountain Region (Table 82-9B), RL allows 20%, RS allows 40%, and RM allows 60%. For allowed institutional land uses, the maximum lot coverage in Chapter 82.06 (its Table 82-21A/82-21B) prevails. Lot coverage is one of several development standards - alongside setbacks, height, and density - that govern how much of a parcel can be built upon. Because the applicable percentage depends on district, region, and lot size, and because impervious-surface and Composite Development Plan rules also apply, confirm the exact coverage limit and how it is calculated with Land Use Services before designing your project.