Beaumont, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Non-pervious cap
- 50 percent of front and street side yard area
- Unpaved setback remainder
- Landscaped, irrigated and maintained
- Plant share of landscaped area
- At least one-third trees, shrubs or other plants
- Front yard shade trees
- Minimum two 24-inch box trees
- Turf offset technique
- At least 24 inches from driveways and sidewalks
- R-SF commercial floor area ratio
- 0.35, commercial uses only
Summary
In the City of Beaumont, California, no more than 50 percent of the front yard and street side yard of a single family lot can be non-pervious surface such as a driveway. The cap sits in the landscaping chapter of the zoning code, and small-lot developments can seek a deviation through site plan and architectural review.
A.For single family residential properties, no more than 50 percent of the front yard and street side yard area shall be non-pervious surface (e.g., used as a driveway). Deviations from these standards may be allowed through site plan and architectural review for small-lot single-family developments at the time of master home plan review or for small lot development (Section 17.11.030.D) where these standards preclude the maximum lot coverage from being achieved. B.Remaining unpaved portion of the setback areas shall be landscaped, irrigated, and maintained. At least one-third of the landscaped area shall be provided by trees, shrubs, and other plant material. ... D.A minimum of two 24-inch box shade trees are required within the front yard setback of all single-family residences.
Full Breakdown
Section 17.06.080 of the Beaumont Municipal Code sets the landscaping rule for single family residential uses. Paragraph A caps non-pervious surface, with a driveway as the example, at 50 percent of the combined front yard and street side yard area. Deviations are decided through site plan and architectural review for small-lot single-family developments, either at master home plan review or under the small lot development standards of Section 17.11.030.D, where the cap would stop a project from reaching its maximum lot coverage. Paragraph B requires the unpaved remainder of the setback areas to be landscaped, irrigated and maintained, with at least one-third of the landscaped area in trees, shrubs and other plant material.
Everything else must be finished in wood chips, decorative rock, decomposed granite or another material the Planning Department approves, and no junk or debris can be stored there. Paragraph C directs irrigation water away from paved surfaces, for example by offsetting turf areas at least 24 inches from driveways and sidewalks. Paragraph D requires a minimum of two 24-inch box shade trees in the front yard setback of every single-family residence. Multiple-family properties with four units or fewer follow the same section under Section 17.06.060.
Section 17.06.100.F adds that front, side and rear yards cannot be used for off-street parking or loading spaces unless on an approved surface. Separately, the R-SF zone in Section 17.03.060 sets a 0.35 floor area ratio that applies to commercial uses only, and the Chapter 17.14 definition of coverage measures the percentage of total site area covered by structures, excluding steps, courts, patios, terraces and swimming pools.
Violations & Fines
The Community Development Department enforces the zoning code. Under Section 1.16.030 an infraction or administrative citation carries a fine of up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation within one year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within a year. The fourth violation and every later one within a year can be charged as a misdemeanor. Under Section 1.16.040 each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 50 percent cap apply to the whole lot in Beaumont?
Can a small-lot builder exceed the cap?
What goes in the unpaved part of a Beaumont front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaumont
California rules heatmap·Compare Beaumont to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Lot Coverage Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle lot coverage limits.