Methuen, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

The Methuen Center Smart Growth Overlay District (MCSGOD) is an overlay of approximately 54.44 acres superimposed over the underlying zoning districts, added 11-28-2017 by Ord. No. 924 under MGL c. 40R. Its dimensional table in § 5.22G applies to all buildings, development and redevelopment in the district: minimum lot area 0 square feet, maximum density 30 dwelling units per acre of Developable Land or Substantially Developed Land, minimum width 50 feet, maximum number of stories 4, maximum height 45 feet, maximum lot coverage 70% and minimum open space 30%.

The definitions in § 2.2 decide what counts. LOT COVERAGE is the percentage of the total area of a lot covered by buildings, structures, parking, loading, roadway or driveway areas. BUILDING COVERAGE is narrower: the building area expressed as a percent of the total lot area. A project in the MCSGOD is held to the 70% figure measured the first way, so driveways and parking decks count against the cap, not just roofs.

The Plan Approval Authority is the Community Development Board. Under § 5.22M(1) it can waive the dimensional and other requirements of § 5.22 in the interests of design flexibility and overall Project quality, on a finding that the variation is consistent with the purpose of the MCSGOD or lets the Project achieve the density, affordability, mix of uses or physical character allowed. Outside the overlay, the ordinance sends district-by-district limits to the Table of Dimensional Regulations, an attachment to the chapter, so quote that table, not this page, for ordinary residential and business lots. Section 11.14 separately sets a maximum building coverage of 50% in its RGCD dimensional table. Section 6.2A bars counting required lot area twice and § 6.2D(3) governs how narrow lot portions are excluded from lot area calculations.