North Hempstead, NY Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-AAA lot coverage cap
- 15% of lot area (§ 70-8)
- Front-yard paving cap
- 30% impervious (§ 70-12.5)
- R-AAA minimum lot size
- 20,000 sq. ft.
- Last amended
- 12-14-1999, L.L. No. 14-1999
- Over-cap penalty (first offense)
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Enforced by
- Building Department / BZA
Summary
In North Hempstead's Residence AAA District, the Town's most common single-family zone, all buildings and structures on a lot together cannot cover more than 15% of the lot area under Zoning Code Section 70-8. A companion rule caps front-yard paving separately at 30% of that yard's area to control stormwater runoff.
§ 70-8. Lot coverage. [Amended 12-14-1999 by L.L. No. 14-1999] The lot coverage shall not exceed 15% of the lot area. ... § 70-12.5. Front yard paving. [Added 12-14-1999 by L.L. No. 14-1999] For all new construction, alterations or landscaping changes, a front yard may not be covered more than 30% by any impervious material or other type of paving. Water flow from paved areas must be controlled to alleviate excessive runoff onto adjacent properties.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4892187; v82 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
L. No. ' Lot coverage counts the footprint of the house together with garages, sheds and other accessory buildings or structures. 6B. 5 imposes a second, narrower coverage limit specific to the front yard: for any new construction, alteration, or landscaping change, the front yard 'may not be covered more than 30% by any impervious material or other type of paving,' and water flowing off any paved area must be controlled so it doesn't run onto adjacent properties. 4. Homeowners planning an addition, pool deck, or expanded driveway need to check both limits, the 15% whole-lot cap on buildings and structures and the 30% front-yard paving cap, since either one can force a redesign even when the other is satisfied.
The Building Department reviews lot coverage at the building-permit stage, and construction that would push a lot over 15% coverage cannot be permitted as of right; it requires a redesign or a variance from the Board of Zoning and Appeals.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 15% lot-coverage cap or the 30% front-yard paving limit without Board of Zoning and Appeals relief falls under the catch-all penalty in Section 70-235K: a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,000 to $2,500 for a second offense within five years, and $2,500 to $10,000 for a third, plus up to 15 days' imprisonment, with each week the excess coverage remains counted as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum lot coverage in North Hempstead's R-AAA district?
Does the 15% limit include my driveway or patio?
What happens if my addition pushes my lot over the coverage limit?
Is 15% the lot-coverage limit in every North Hempstead zoning district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Hempstead
New York rules heatmap·Compare North Hempstead to another location·View the New York building setbacks & zoning overview
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