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Delaware County, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

County rule
None
Enabling clause
MPC §603(b)(3)
Upper Darby R-2 building coverage
30% max
Impervious
May trigger stormwater review
Relief
Variance from zoning hearing board

Summary

Delaware County, PA sets no lot-coverage limit. Under the PA Municipalities Planning Code, each borough or township caps building or impervious coverage by zoning district. In Upper Darby Township's R-2 district, maximum building coverage is 30%. Confirm the coverage cap for your parcel with your municipality.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Areas and dimensions of land and bodies of water to be occupied by uses and structures, as well as areas, courts, yards, and other open spaces and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lot coverage, the share of a lot that buildings or impervious surfaces may cover, is set by municipal zoning in Delaware County, not by the county. The PA Municipalities Planning Code authorizes it at Section 603(b)(3), which lets ordinances regulate the "Areas and dimensions of land... to be occupied by uses and structures," the statutory basis for building- and impervious-coverage caps. Each borough and township adopts coverage percentages per zoning district. As a representative example, Upper Darby Township's R-2 Residence District sets a maximum building coverage of 30%. Municipalities often distinguish building coverage (roofed footprint) from impervious coverage (which adds driveways, patios and walks); the latter also drives stormwater-management requirements.

Violations & Fines

Coverage enforcement is municipal. Exceeding the district's building- or impervious-coverage limit without a variance is a zoning violation, and exceeding impervious thresholds can also trigger stormwater-permit enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum lot coverage in Delaware County, PA?
There is no county cap. Each municipality sets building- and impervious-coverage limits by zoning district under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Upper Darby's R-2 district allows 30% building coverage. Check your municipality and district.
Does adding a driveway or patio count?
It counts toward impervious coverage, which many Delaware County municipalities regulate separately from building coverage and which can trigger stormwater-management review. Confirm both the building and impervious limits with your local zoning and engineering office.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania building setbacks & zoning overview

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