Belmont's Zoning Bylaw (Section 4.2, Dimensional Regulations, as amended through March 3, 2025) caps lot coverage at 25% in Single Residence districts (SR-A, SR-B, SR-C) and 30% in General Residence districts. SR-C single-family lots are also limited to 2.5 stories.
The Town of Belmont's Zoning Bylaw is the controlling land-use code. Section 4.2 (Dimensional Regulations) lays out the maximum lot coverage by district. Single Residence districts — SR-A, SR-B, and SR-C — are capped at 25% lot coverage and a maximum building height of 2.5 stories. General Residence districts allow 30% coverage. Building coverage means the percentage of the lot footprint occupied by principal and accessory structures; certain features like uncovered decks and eaves are excluded per the bylaw definitions. The bylaw was amended through March 3, 2025, and is maintained by the Office of Community Development. Property owners exceeding these caps must apply for a variance from the Belmont Zoning Board of Appeals.
Exceeding the lot-coverage cap requires a variance. Construction without the necessary variance can be ordered torn down by the Building Inspector, and continued violations can be fined under the general penalty provision of the bylaw.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle lot coverage limits.
See how Belmont's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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