Pomona, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Sec. A, Impervious Coverage, limits the share of a lot's area covered by buildings, structures and impervious pavement, adopted to minimize stormwater runoff during extreme flooding and protect environmental health. Impervious coverage is calculated by dividing the cumulative area of impervious surfaces by lot area; the code counts roads, buildings, sheds and similar structures, flatwork including concrete slabs, sidewalks, patios, parking areas, pool coping and driveways, mechanical equipment, and impermeable construction covering the natural land surface. An uncovered wood deck with drainage spaces between the boards, sitting over a pervious surface, counts only 50% of its horizontal area toward impervious coverage.

Sec. B, Building Coverage, separately caps the cumulative footprint of buildings and roofed structures divided by lot area, intended to preserve open area and limit building bulk; architectural projections such as roof overhangs and projecting balconies that extend less than 5 feet from the nearest load-bearing wall, column or beam are excluded from the calculation. Neither section states a single citywide percentage: the maximum impervious and building coverage a lot may reach is set by the Form Module (House, Low-Rise, Mid-Rise or Special) applied to that lot under Subpart 3B.

A lot may exceed the maximum impervious coverage only where the limit would prevent ADA compliance, subject to discretionary review by the Director of Development Services, and increased building or impervious coverage generally may otherwise be requested only as a variance under Sec. E.