Lot coverage in Flint is regulated by Chapter 50 (Zoning) of the City Code and is set district-by-district in the site dimensions tables in Articles 3 through 7. Each district has its own maximum lot coverage by buildings; impervious surface and stormwater are addressed separately under the Michigan NPDES Phase II program (Part 31 of NREPA, 1994 PA 451) and the State Construction Code adopted under 2008 PA 407 with site plan review through the Flint Planning Commission.
The City of Flint Chapter 50 Zoning Code (adopted October 29, 2022 by ordinance, amended through Ordinance 240459 effective December 7, 2025) sets maximum lot coverage by buildings for each zoning district as part of the site dimensions table for that district. Low-density residential districts (TN-1, GN-1) impose stricter coverage limits than the higher-density TN-2 and MR-1 districts, with downtown and commercial districts allowing the highest coverage consistent with urban form. The GN-1 Green Neighborhood district specifically aims to integrate community gardens and small-scale urban agriculture, which influences how the coverage limit is set. The Zoning Code allows accessory features such as decks, patios and walkways under its own rules within the buildable area defined by setbacks. Stormwater controls for earth-disturbance projects are reviewed under Michigan's NPDES Phase II MS4 program administered by EGLE under Part 31 of NREPA (1994 PA 451); larger projects require a soil erosion and sedimentation control (SESC) permit from the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office. Lot-coverage compliance is verified at building-permit application via site plan and again at field inspection by the Flint building official. Site-plan review for larger projects goes through the Flint Planning Commission under Chapter 50.
Exceeding the lot-coverage maximum in the Chapter 50 site dimensions table is a zoning violation; the Flint building official will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the parcel is brought into compliance. The Department of Planning and Development can issue notices of violation as municipal civil infractions with daily continuing-violation tickets. Failure to comply with the Michigan NPDES Phase II MS4 stormwater requirements or with Genesee County SESC standards is separately enforceable by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner and EGLE.
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