San Bernardino County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RL Rural Living
- 20 percent max coverage
- RS Single Residential
- up to 40 percent (or envelope)
- RM Multiple Residential
- 60 percent max coverage
- Region
- Valley Region unincorporated area only
- Other regions
- Mountain/Desert use Tables 82-9B/82-9C
Summary
In the Valley Region of unincorporated San Bernardino County, RL lots cap structure and impervious coverage at 20 percent, RS lots at up to 40 percent, and RM lots at 60 percent.
Lot coverage — Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures and impervious surfaces. Maximum coverage: RL Rural Living - 20 percent. RS Single Residential - Lot less than 20,000 sq. ft.: entire building envelope; lot of 20,000 sq. ft. or larger: 40 percent. RM Multiple Residential - 60 percent.
Full Breakdown
The Development Code's residential development standards table (Table 82-9A) sets maximum lot coverage, the share of a lot that structures and impervious surfaces may occupy, by zoning district in the Valley Region: Rural Living (RL) tops out at 20 percent, Single Residential (RS) allows the entire building envelope on lots under 20,000 sq. ft. or 40 percent on larger lots, and Multiple Residential (RM) allows 60 percent. Land Use Services applies these limits when reviewing building permits for unincorporated Valley communities such as Bloomington, Muscoy, and Devore; Mountain and Desert Region lots use separate tables (82-9B, 82-9C) with different percentages.
Violations & Fines
Building beyond the coverage cap without an approved permit is declared a public nuisance under § 86.09.050; the County can issue a stop-work order, notice of violation, or pursue administrative and criminal citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts toward lot coverage in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Does the 40 percent RS cap apply to every single-family lot?
Do Mountain or Desert Region lots use these same percentages?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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