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

Chapter 190 of the Town of Colonie Code (Zoning and Land Use) sets maximum lot coverage for each district as part of the bulk standards in Article VI (Dimensional Requirements and Density Incentives), with the numerical limits in Attachment 2 (Dimensional Table) of the chapter. Two specific Town-level coverage rules apply across districts: (1) Structures accessory to a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling may occupy up to 40% of the rear yard, and (2) Ground-mounted solar energy systems are limited to 50% lot coverage, and the surface area covered by ground-mounted solar energy systems is included in total lot coverage calculations. Larger commercial projects in OR, CO, NCOR, COR, HCOR, Airport Business and Industrial Districts must also observe the 100-foot building / 50-foot parking-loading-storage setback from any residential zone boundary when the lot is more than 300 feet deep. Stormwater for earth-disturbance projects of one acre or more is regulated through the NYSDEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-20-001 (or current edition), administered via the Town of Colonie's MS4 program. Lot-coverage compliance is verified at building-permit application via plot plan and again at final inspection by the Building and Fire Services Department.