Sacramento County lot coverage limits: typically 40-50 percent in single-family residential zones for all structures combined. Rural and agricultural zones have lower percentages but larger absolute footprints allowed. Impervious surface coverage (driveways, patios) separately regulated under stormwater rules. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) may also apply.
Sacramento County Zoning Code Title 3 regulates lot coverage defined as the percentage of lot area covered by buildings and structures. In typical suburban single-family zones (RD-5, RD-7), maximum lot coverage is 40-50 percent. Multi-family and commercial zones have higher percentages. Rural residential (RR) and agricultural (AG) zones allow smaller coverage percentages (often 15-25 percent) but, because lots are larger, allow bigger absolute building footprints. Lot coverage is distinct from impervious surface coverage, which includes driveways, patios, pools, and walkways; stormwater regulations (C.3 provisions for larger projects) limit impervious surface to encourage infiltration. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits may apply in certain zones regulating total floor area across all levels relative to lot size. ADUs up to 800 sq ft must be allowed regardless of lot-coverage limits under state law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fair Oaks, CA
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Sacramento County, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle lot coverage limits.
See how Fair Oaks's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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