Bellflower, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Lot coverage in Bellflower is regulated by zoning district under Title 17 of the City's Municipal Code. In the SF Single Family Zone (Chapter 17.16) and the R-1 Low Density Residential Zone, the maximum lot coverage by all residential and accessory buildings is 45 percent of the lot. Importantly, the Code specifies how coverage is measured: it is computed using the actual roof area — not including eaves — of all residential and accessory buildings on the lot. This means projecting eaves are excluded from the calculation, but garages, sheds, and other accessory structures count toward the cap. Lot coverage works together with the setback and height limits to control building bulk; even where a structure would meet setbacks and height, it cannot push total roofed area above the 45 percent ceiling in these zones. Denser multi-family zones (R-2, R-3) and non-residential districts have their own development standards. Because the coverage figure and its measurement method are zone-specific, owners planning an addition or accessory building should confirm the applicable percentage and how it is calculated with the Bellflower Planning Division.