Maximum lot coverage in Redding is set by zoning district under Redding Municipal Code Title 18, with residential coverage standards in the development tables of RMC §18.31.030. In the RM (Residential Multiple-Family) districts, lot coverage calculations explicitly include buildings, driveways, parking areas, and trash-enclosure areas — Schedule 18.31.030-D specifies the maximum allowable lot coverage in each RM district. Stormwater impacts on larger projects are reviewed under the City's MS4 program.
Redding's lot-coverage rules vary by zoning district. (1) Residential districts: RMC §18.31.030 sets maximum lot coverage for the RE (Residential Estate), RS (Residential Single-Family), and RM (Residential Multiple-Family) districts through the development standards tables. RE and RS districts generally allow modest building coverage on larger lots, while RM districts permit higher coverage to support multi-family density. In the RM districts specifically, lot coverage is calculated to include not only buildings but also driveways, parking areas, and trash-enclosure areas — meaning all impervious site improvements count against the maximum. Schedule 18.31.030-D specifies the exact maximum allowable lot coverage in each RM sub-district. (2) Commercial and industrial: RMC Chapter 18.32 (Commercial Districts) and Chapter 18.33 (Industrial Districts) set coverage limits for non-residential districts. (3) Stormwater: under the California State Water Resources Control Board's Phase II MS4 General Permit, the City of Redding regulates stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment that meets size thresholds. Larger projects must implement Low Impact Development (LID) practices and may require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). (4) ADU protection: California Government Code §65852.2(j)(2) prohibits a local agency from denying an accessory dwelling unit permit based on lot-coverage limits if denial would prevent the creation of a code-compliant 800-square-foot ADU. (5) Plan check: lot-coverage compliance is verified at building-permit application via the plot plan and again at final inspection by Redding Development Services.
Exceeding the maximum lot coverage in a district's development standards table is a Title 18 zoning violation: Development Services will not issue a building permit for new construction or additions exceeding the limit, and Code Enforcement (777 Cypress Avenue) can issue notices of violation and administrative citations for unpermitted construction. Stormwater non-compliance on larger projects can result in separate enforcement by the City and the State Water Board, including stop-work orders.
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See how Redding's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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