Ridgecrest, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 max coverage
- 60 percent
- Pools
- excluded from coverage calc
- Measured as
- footprint ÷ lot area
- Applies to
- R-1 single-family zone
Summary
Structures on an R-1 lot in Ridgecrest can't cover more than 60 percent of the site, not counting swimming pools, measured as building footprint over total horizontal lot area.
(j)Coverage. The maximum site area covered by structure, not including swimming pools, shall not exceed 60 percent.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
In the R-1 zone, City Code § 106-318(j) limits building footprint to 60 percent of the total site area, excluding swimming pools. Section 106-19 defines how that percentage is measured: the horizontal square footage covered by structures, open or enclosed, divided by the total horizontal area inside the property lines. The cap applies to single-family lots inside Ridgecrest city limits; other zoning districts carry their own coverage limits under their respective sections of Chapter 106.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 60 percent coverage cap blocks issuance of a building permit or zoning clearance; plans must be redesigned or excess structure removed to bring the lot into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of my lot can I build on in Ridgecrest?
How is lot coverage calculated in Ridgecrest?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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