Pawtucket, RI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Article VI's dimensional table at § 410-44 sets 'Maximum Lot Coverage' as a percentage figure for every zoning district. Residential Limited, Residential Single-Family, and Residential Two-Family zones all cap coverage at 30% of lot area for one-family dwellings and other permitted residential uses. The Residential Multifamily zone holds the same 30% for most residential uses, while the Residential Elevator zone allows up to 50% coverage for other residential and permitted uses. Commercial Local and Commercial General zones cap non-residential uses at 50%, the Industrial Open zone at 60%, and the Industrial Built-Up zone, covering the city's older mill and factory footprints, at 80%.

The Commercial Downtown zone, reflecting its dense, zero-setback urban form, allows coverage up to 100% of the lot. 6E(3) caps 'maximum impervious coverage' at 90%, covering pavement and structures together rather than just building footprint. Under § 410-59G, the permitting authority may grant a special use permit adding another 10 percentage points of lot coverage above whatever the table allows for a given zone, but only if the applicant provides the additional parking required by § 410-76 and the building's use conforms to the Article II use table. 2.