San Rafael, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R2a coverage cap
- 20% of lot
- R10/R7.5/R5 cap
- 40% of lot
- Excluded
- sheds/decks under 120 sq ft
- Defined at
- SRMC § 14.03.030
Summary
San Rafael limits how much of a residential lot can be covered by buildings, from 20% in the largest-lot R2a district up to 40% in R10, R7.5 and R5, under Table 14.04.030, with ground-level walkways, patios and sheds under 120 sq ft excluded from the calculation.
Table 14.04.030 — R2a R1a R20 R10 R7.5 R5: "Maximum lot coverage 20% 25% 30% 40% 40% 40%." § 14.03.030: "'Lot coverage' means that portion of the lot covered by buildings, including stairways; covered walkways; covered patios; covered parking structures; covered decks or uncovered decks over thirty inches (30″) in height; and detached recreational and storage structures that are greater than one hundred (120) square feet in size."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Table 14.04.030 caps maximum lot coverage at 20% in the two-acre R2a district, 25% in R1a, 30% in R20, and 40% in R10, R7.5 and R5. SRMC § 14.03.030 defines lot coverage as the portion of a lot covered by buildings, covered walkways, covered patios, covered parking structures, and decks or detached structures over 30 inches high or larger than 120 square feet. Section 14.16.132 excludes ground-level landscaping, at-grade walkways and paved areas, uncovered patios and decks 30 inches or under, uncovered parking and driveways, solar-covered parking, and small unpermitted sheds or play structures from the calculation. The Duplex, Medium and High Density Residential districts (Table 14.04.040) allow more coverage, from 40% up to 60%.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the district's maximum lot coverage without an approved variance or exception under Chapters 14.23 or 14.24 is a zoning violation, subject to permit denial, required modification, and misdemeanor enforcement under the zoning code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum lot coverage for a San Rafael house?
Do patios and sheds count toward lot coverage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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