Cary, NC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Jordan Lake cap (low density)
- 24% impervious surface
- No curb/gutter streets
- Up to 36% impervious
- Applies only in
- Mapped Watershed Protection Overlay
- Alternative measure
- 2 dwelling units per acre
Summary
In the Town of Cary's Jordan Lake Watershed overlay, low-density projects cap impervious surface at 24% of project area, rising to 36% for projects with streets built without curbs and gutters.
Impervious surfaces shall not exceed twenty-four (24) percent of the project area, or two (2) dwelling units per acre; or three (3) dwelling units per acre and thirty-six (36) percent impervious surface area for projects containing streets built without curbs and gutters. Jordan Lake Watershed Critical Area Non-residential and multi-family residential development's impervious surface ratios shall not exceed twenty-four (24) percent. Residential density (other than multi-family) shall not exceed two (2) dwelling units per acre.
(2) High Density Option High Density Option development proposals may be approved, provided that the development applications are consistent with the following standards: TABLE 4.4-5: MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE LIMITS: HIGH DENSITY OPTION Suburban-New Urban-New Existing Urban Residential Non-Residential Residential Non-Residential Residential and Non- Residential Swift Creek Watershed TABLE 4.4-5: MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE LIMITS: HIGH DENSITY OPTION
Suburban-New Urban-New Existing Urban Non- Non- Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential and Non- Residential
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
The Town of Cary's Land Development Ordinance controls building bulk through impervious-surface and density limits in the Watershed Protection Overlay rather than a general lot-coverage percentage. Under LDO § 4.4.6(F)(1), Table 4.4-4, low-density development in the Jordan Lake Watershed may not exceed 24% impervious surface (or 2 dwelling units per acre), rising to 36% impervious surface for projects built at 3 dwelling units per acre with streets that skip curbs and gutters. The Swift Creek Watershed and the Jordan Lake Critical Area carry their own separate percentages. These limits apply only within the mapped Watershed Protection Overlay in Wake and Chatham Counties, not townwide.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the mapped impervious-surface limit is grounds for the Town to deny or withhold development plan approval, and can trigger stormwater enforcement and required corrective measures under LDO § 4.4.6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Town of Cary set a townwide maximum lot coverage percentage?
What's the impervious limit on a Jordan Lake Watershed lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina building setbacks & zoning overview
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Lot Coverage Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle lot coverage limits.