Riverside County Ordinance No. 348 limits the percentage of a lot that structures can cover. Typical residential coverage maximums range from 35% in R-1 zones to 50% in R-3 multi-family zones. Coverage is calculated from the footprints of all buildings, including accessory structures, but excludes paved surfaces and pools.
Lot coverage in unincorporated Riverside County restricts the total ground area occupied by buildings to prevent overbuilding and preserve open space and drainage capacity. Under Ordinance No. 348, R-1 (One-Family Dwellings) zones generally limit total structure coverage to 35% of net lot area. R-2 (Multiple Family) allows up to 40%, R-3 (General Residential) permits up to 50%, and R-R (Rural Residential) caps coverage at 20-25% to maintain rural character. Coverage is computed from the outer footprint of all enclosed or roofed structures, including main dwellings, attached/detached garages, covered patios, guest houses, and sheds. Uncovered pools, decks under 30 inches, driveways, and walkways typically do not count. In Hillside Development areas (Ord. 348.4728), coverage is further limited on slopes over 15%. Floor-Area Ratio (FAR) may apply in addition to coverage in specific specific plans. Exceeding coverage requires a variance or minor plot plan adjustment depending on magnitude. Agricultural zones have separate coverage rules emphasizing agricultural use over structures.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle lot coverage limits.
See how Mead Valley's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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