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

Schedule 18.31.030-C of the Redding Municipal Code sets a flat 40 percent maximum lot coverage for the "RE-1," "RE-2," "RS-2," "RS-2.5," "RS-3," "RS-3.5," and "RS-4" single-family districts, covering every building and accessory structure on the parcel including projections. Multifamily "RM" districts scale up under Schedule 18.31.030-D: RM-6 is capped at 60 percent, RM-9 at 65 percent, RM-10 and RM-12 at 70 percent, RM-15 and RM-18 at 75 percent, RM-20 at 80 percent, and RM-30 at 85 percent. Note 7 to Schedule 18.31.030-C makes clear the RM calculation is broader than the single-family one: it counts not just buildings but also driveways, parking areas, and trash-enclosure areas against the ceiling.

What counts as "covered" land is defined separately in Section 18.62.040 of the Rules of Measurement chapter. The rule counts the total land area under every principal and accessory structure, including projections, with three carve-outs: eaves projecting less than two and one-half feet from the building wall, trellises and similar structures without solid roofs, and uncovered, unenclosed swimming pools, spas, patios, sport courts, decks, porches, landings, balconies, and stairways whose surface sits less than thirty inches above grade. A deck built higher than thirty inches, or one that is roofed or enclosed, counts fully toward the site's coverage total.

These are zoning numeric standards applied at site-plan review for new construction, additions, and accessory structures such as garages and covered patios. A project that cannot meet the applicable percentage must redesign to reduce building footprint or apply for a zoning exception under Chapter 18.15, which requires specific findings before granting relief from the numeric standard.