Corpus Christi, TX Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

The base single-family and multifamily district tables (UDC Table 4.3.3 and Table 4.4.3.B) regulate site coverage indirectly through a "Min. Open Space (% site area)" figure rather than a stated maximum lot-coverage or impervious-cover percentage, so a standard house lot in districts like RS-6 or RS-4.5 is not subject to a numeric impervious cap in the UDC text itself. Percentage-based impervious limits appear only where the Code creates a distinct development type. Under the Clustered Development Overlay District (UDC § 6.7), Section 6.7.2.E, "Impervious Coverage Allowance," caps the entire clustered development, including parking areas, at 65% of the development boundaries unless those parking areas are built with pervious surfaces, in which case they do not count against the cap.

Clustered developments are a permitted use (no rezoning required) in RS-6, RS-4.5, RS-TF, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RM-AT, ON, CN-1, CR-2, CR-3, and CG-2 when platted and built under UDC § 6.7. Cottage Housing Developments carry their own two-tier cap under UDC § 4.7.6: an individually platted cottage unit lot may not exceed 75% impervious cover of that lot's footprint (§ 4.7.6.A), while the entire Cottage Housing Development site is capped at 65% impervious cover (§ 4.7.6.B). Both cottage and clustered allowances can be increased through low-impact-development credits: porous paving used for driveways, parking areas, sidewalks or paths is treated as 100% pervious and does not count against the cap, and site area served by City Best Management Practices Manual techniques that retain the first 2 inches of the 2-, 10-, and 25-year design storms can be deducted from total impervious cover on the site (UDC § 4.7.6.C).

A developer proposing either development type must demonstrate compliance with these percentages on the site plan submitted under UDC § 6.7.10 (Clustered) or the corresponding Article 4.7 site plan requirements (Cottage), and Development Services checks the calculation before plat or permit approval.