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Clarkstown, NY Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

MF-1 max lot coverage
33% (16.50% building)
MF-2 max lot coverage
40% (20.00% building)
MF-3 max lot coverage
50% (25.00% building)
Min. overall lot area
40,000 sq ft (MF-1/2/3)
Governing section
Clarkstown Code § 290-20F(2)(a)
First-offense fine
Up to $3,500 or 15 days jail

Summary

In Clarkstown's MF-1, MF-2 and MF-3 multifamily zoning districts, Town Code § 290-20F(2)(a) caps maximum lot coverage, including principal building coverage, at 33%, 40% and 50% respectively, with principal building coverage alone limited to 16.50%, 20.00% and 25.00%.

F. Additional regulations concerning MF-1, MF-2 and MF-3 Districts shall be as follows: (1) Minimum overall lot area: 40,000 square feet for MF-1, MF-2 and MF-3. ... (2) Density. ... (a) Maximum principal building(s) coverage and lot coverage shall be as follows: District / Maximum Principal Building(s) Coverage / Maximum Lot Coverage (including principal building(s) coverage): MF-1 16.50% 33% / MF-2 20.00% 40% / MF-3 25.00% 50%. (3) Minimum lot width: 150 feet.

Full Breakdown

Clarkstown's zoning code (Chapter 290) sets lot coverage limits district by district in the Bulk Table, but § 290-20F spells out the numbers directly for the town's three multifamily zones. 00% in those same districts. Section 290-20F(1) sets a 40,000-square-foot minimum overall lot area for any MF-1, MF-2 or MF-3 development, and F(3) requires 150 feet of minimum lot width. The Town's definition of lot coverage, at § 290-3, reaches every impervious surface on the lot: buildings, structures, parking areas, driveways and roads that reduce stormwater infiltration, but carves out fences without continuous footings, decks with 1/8-inch spaced decking over pervious ground, vegetated green roofs, any area the Department of Engineering and Facilities Management credits with stormwater detention or infiltration, and porous pavement meeting the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual.

Any stormwater management measure built into the lot design requires a maintenance agreement, including posted security, under Chapter 249A. Site plans for multifamily development go through Planning Board review under § 290-16 before a building permit issues, and the Building Inspector checks lot coverage against the recorded site plan. 1), each carry their own separate 50% coverage ceilings, so an owner must confirm the applicable zoning district before applying any single percentage.

Violations & Fines

Building beyond the approved lot coverage violates Chapter 290 and is punishable under § 290-34: up to $3,500 or 15 days' jail for a first offense, escalating to $3,500-$6,000 for a second, $8,500-$11,000 for a third and $11,000-$16,000 for a fourth offense within 18 months, with each week of continued violation a separate offense. The Town Attorney may also negotiate a civil compromise penalty, or the Town may seek injunctive relief under § 109-18 to force removal of noncompliant coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarkstown's maximum lot coverage for multifamily property?
It depends on the district: § 290-20F(2)(a) caps total lot coverage, including the building footprint, at 33% in MF-1, 40% in MF-2 and 50% in MF-3, with principal building coverage separately limited to 16.50%, 20.00% and 25.00% in those districts.
What counts as lot coverage under Clarkstown's code?
Section 290-3 defines lot coverage as the percentage of a lot covered by impervious surface, including buildings, structures, parking areas, driveways and roads that reduce stormwater infiltration, while excluding footing-free fences, spaced-decking decks over pervious ground, green roofs, credited stormwater areas and qualifying porous pavement.
Is there a minimum lot size for Clarkstown's MF districts?
Yes. Section 290-20F(1) requires a minimum overall lot area of 40,000 square feet for any MF-1, MF-2 or MF-3 development, and F(3) sets a 150-foot minimum lot width, before the district's lot coverage percentages even come into play.
What happens if a Clarkstown property exceeds its lot coverage limit?
The owner faces prosecution under § 290-34: a fine of up to $3,500 or 15 days in jail for a first offense, rising to $11,000-$16,000 for a fourth offense within 18 months, plus possible Town injunctive action under § 109-18 to remove the excess coverage.

Sources & Official References

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