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Springfield, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Small lots (up to 7,500 sf)
35% max coverage
Large lots (over 60,000 sf)
10% max coverage
Res B-1 / C / O districts
50% max, any lot size
Res C-1 / C-2 districts
30% max coverage
Governing table
Zoning Ordinance Table 5-2

Summary

Springfield caps building coverage in residential districts by lot size and zone, from 10% on lots over 60,000 square feet up to 50% in Residential B-1, C and O districts, per Zoning Ordinance Table 5-2.

5.2.21 The maximum BUILDING COVERAGE in residential districts shall be as follows: Lot Area (sq. ft.) / Maximum BUILDING COVERAGE -- Up to 7,500: 35%; 7,501-20,000: 30%; Res A-1, Res A, Res B -- 20,001-30,000: 25%; 30,001-45,000: 20%; 45,001-60,000: 15%; More than 60,000: 10%. Res B1: Any: 50%. Res C: Any: 50%. Res C-1: Any: 30%. Res C2: Any: 30%. Res O: Any: 50%.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Section 5.1.27 defines BUILDING COVERAGE as the percentage of a lot covered by all buildings and structures, including accessory buildings. Table 5-2 (Section 5.2.20) then sets sliding maximums in Springfield's Residential A-1, A and B districts: 35% on lots up to 7,500 square feet, stepping down to 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, and just 10% once a lot exceeds 60,000 square feet. Residential B-1, C and O districts get a flat 50% cap regardless of lot size, while Residential C-1 and C-2 are capped at 30%. A project exceeding its district's cap needs Zoning Board of Appeals relief before the Building Commissioner will issue a permit.

Violations & Fines

Building beyond the cap without relief risks Building Commissioner enforcement: a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 per day after, injunctive action, and refusal of other permits until corrected (§ 11.1.20).

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts toward Springfield's building coverage limit?
All buildings and structures on the lot, including accessory buildings like garages and sheds, per Section 5.1.27 of the Zoning Ordinance -- not just the primary house.
Does lot coverage change with lot size in Springfield?
Yes, in Residential A-1, A and B districts the cap drops as the lot gets bigger, from 35% on lots under 7,500 square feet to 10% on lots over 60,000 square feet.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

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