New Berlin, WI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Section 275-33 D(10) points to Table 275-33-6 for lot coverage standards, and that table applies specifically to the Rm-1 Multiple-Family Residential District: a maximum of 45% of the lot may be covered by buildings, a maximum of 60% may be covered by impervious surfaces overall (buildings plus pavement and other hardscape), and a minimum of 40% of the lot must remain open space and landscaping.

Chapter 275's definitions section, section 275-70, defines LOT COVERAGE as the total area of all buildings measured at grade, all accessory structures including pools and patios, and all paved areas, calculated as a percentage of the total lot area. The definition specifically excludes side paths or paved paths no wider than eight feet, pervious pavement, and green roofs from the coverage calculation, so a developer can add narrow walkways or pervious paving without counting against the 60% impervious cap.

The commercial districts carry their own, higher lot coverage figures in a separate table (Table 275-34-3): B-1, B-2 and B-3 allow up to 50% building coverage and 75% impervious coverage with a 25% open space minimum, while the more rural B-5 District is held to 40% building coverage, 65% impervious coverage and a 35% open space minimum. The Rm-1 standard is the only lot coverage limit printed for New Berlin's conventional single-family and two-family residential districts (R-1/R-2 through Rd-1); those districts instead control bulk through the minimum lot area, lot width and setback figures in Table 275-33-2 rather than a stated coverage percentage.