Fresno, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Table 15-903-2, in the Residential Single-Unit Districts article of the Citywide Development Code, sets "Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)" at 30 percent for the RE, RS-1, and RS-2 districts, 35 percent for RS-3, 50 percent for RS-4, and 60 percent for RS-5: the districts with the smallest minimum lot sizes get the highest coverage allowance, topping out at RS-5's 4,000-square-foot minimum lot. Section 15-311, Determining Lot Coverage, defines the ratio as "the total footprint area of all structures on a lot to the net lot area," and specifies that garages and carports count toward coverage along with the principal structure.

Five categories are carved out of the calculation: uncovered decks, patios, porches, landings, balconies, and unenclosed stairways; eaves and roof overhangs; trellises and similar structures; outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs; and up to one non-habitable accessory structure under 120 square feet in floor area and 7 feet in height (only one such small structure is excluded even if a property has several). A homeowner adding a shed, a second detached garage, or a large covered patio has to run the numbers against the applicable district percentage before applying for a building permit, since the Development and Resource Management Department checks lot coverage as part of plan review alongside setbacks and height. The rule was last amended by Ordinance 2018-25 in 2018 to adjust the accessory-structure exclusion.