Kingsport, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1A lot coverage
- 30 percent including accessory buildings
- R-1B lot coverage
- 30 percent including accessory buildings
- A-1 lot coverage
- No limit
- UAE lot coverage
- Maximum 30 percent
- R-1A height
- 35 feet or three stories
- R-1A minimum lot area
- 10,000 square feet
Summary
In the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, the R-1A Residential District caps lot coverage at 30 percent including accessory buildings, with building height at 35 feet or three stories. The R-1B and UAE districts also print 30 percent, while the A-1 Agricultural District has no limit.
(e)Dimensional requirements. ... The minimum and maximum dimensional requirements for the R-1A district are as follows:(1)Minimum requirements.a.Lot area, 10,000 square feet. ... (2)Maximum permitted.a.Lot coverage, 30 percent including accessory buildings.b.Building height, 35 feet or three stories.
Full Breakdown
Kingsport Code § 114-182(e)(2) lists the maximum permitted dimensions for the R-1A Residential District: lot coverage of 30 percent including accessory buildings, and building height of 35 feet or three stories. Because accessory buildings count inside the 30 percent, a detached garage or shed uses up part of the same allowance as the house. The minimum lot area in R-1A is 10,000 square feet, and the district is for single-family detached homes and small group residential projects.
The other districts print their own figures in the same format. Sec. 114-183(e)(2) gives the R-1B district lot coverage of 30 percent, including accessory buildings, with building height of two stories. Sec. 114-181(e)(2) says lot coverage in the A-1 Agricultural District has no limit. Sec. 114-202(g)(1) sets the Urban Agricultural Estate district maximum at 30 percent. The section quoted states lot coverage as a percentage of the lot and does not use the term impervious surface.
Two general rules sit behind the district figures. Sec. 114-131(1) provides that no building or other structure can be erected or altered to occupy a greater percentage of lot area than the chapter allows. Sec. 114-131(3) provides that no yard or lot existing on June 16, 1981 can be reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements, and lots created after that date must meet the minimums.
Accessory structures also have a size cap of their own in Sec. 114-133(2). The floor area of accessory structures on residentially zoned property cannot exceed 30 percent of the floor area of the principal structure, or 1,100 square feet, whichever is greater. Lots of two acres or more can use a maximum of two percent of total parcel area but never more than 5,000 square feet. Uncovered swimming pools, tennis courts, pet enclosures not exceeding 100 square feet and satellite dish antennas are excluded from that accessory size calculation. The zoning administrator and building official apply these limits when a building permit is issued.
Violations & Fines
The zoning administrator enforces Chapter 114 under Sec. 114-35, notifying the responsible person in writing and ordering removal of illegal additions or structures. Sec. 114-38 adds injunction and mandamus remedies, including by a damaged neighbor. Where no specific penalty is provided, Sec. 1-14 sets a fine of not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum lot coverage in Kingsport R-1A?
Do sheds and garages count toward Kingsport lot coverage?
Is there a lot coverage limit in the Kingsport A-1 district?
Does the Kingsport code set an impervious surface limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
Compare Kingsport to another location·View the Tennessee building setbacks & zoning overview
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