Dublin, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- One-story coverage cap
- 40% of net lot area
- Two-story coverage cap
- 35% of net lot area
- Applies to
- R-1, R-2, R-M residential districts
- Exempt structure
- One 120-sq.-ft. accessory building
- Excluded from count
- Pools, driveways, uncovered decks
- Governing section
- Dublin Municipal Code Sec. 8.36.100
Summary
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.36.100 caps residential lot coverage at 40 percent for one-story homes and 35 percent for two-story homes in the R-1, R-2 and R-M zoning districts, counting principal buildings, garages, accessory structures and covered decks but excluding roof overhangs, uncovered decks, pools and paved driveways.
A. Applicability of coverage regulations. Maximum lot coverage regulations are intended to establish the maximum lot area that may be covered with buildings and structures. Buildings and structures include all land covered by principal buildings, garages and carports, accessory structures, (with the exception of one 120 square foot accessory structure, which shall be exempt from the coverage regulations) covered decks and gazebos, and other enclosed and covered areas; but not standard roof overhangs, cornices, eaves, uncovered decks, swimming pools, paved areas such as walkways, driveways, patios, uncovered parking areas or roads. B. Computation of coverage. All areas of coverage are computed in terms of net lot area and at ground level.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2-26, passed March 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020's development regulations table sets at 40 percent for one-story construction and 35 percent for two-story construction across the R-1, R-2 and R-M residential districts. Coverage counts all land covered by principal buildings, garages and carports, accessory structures, covered decks and gazebos, and other enclosed or covered areas, with one carve-out: a single accessory structure of up to 120 square feet is exempt from the coverage calculation. Standard roof overhangs, cornices and eaves, uncovered decks, swimming pools, and paved areas such as walkways, driveways, patios, uncovered parking areas and roads do not count against the limit.
B requires coverage to be computed using net lot area and measured at ground level. 020 table, reflecting the district's much larger minimum lot size. The current coverage percentages and the 120-square-foot accessory-structure exemption were set by Ordinance 16-02 in October 2002 and Ordinance 20-06 in November 2006. 81 rather than this table's footnote (4), a qualifying SB 9 project's coverage is governed separately.
Violations & Fines
Building beyond the 40 percent (one-story) or 35 percent (two-story) coverage cap without an approved exception is a public nuisance under Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.144.050 and may be summarily abated by the Department of Community Development. A first infraction carries a fine up to $100, a second up to $200, and a third within one year up to $500, with a fourth chargeable as a misdemeanor under Section 8.144.070; no building permit may issue for plans that exceed the coverage limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of my lot can I build on in Dublin?
Does a swimming pool count toward my lot coverage limit?
Can I build a shed without it counting against my coverage limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dublin
California rules heatmap·Compare Dublin to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Lot Coverage Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle lot coverage limits.