Springfield, MO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max impervious coverage
- 70% of lot
- Min open space
- 30% of lot
- District
- R-SF single-family
- Modification path
- LDC § 36-482(15) only
Summary
In Springfield's R-SF single-family district, impervious surface, buildings, driveways, and parking, can't cover more than 70 percent of a lot, leaving 30 percent as open space.
(c)Minimum open space: Not less than 30 percent of the total lot area shall be devoted to open space including required yards and bufferyards unless modified in accordance with subsection 36-482(15)...(d)Maximum impervious area: The combined area occupied by all main and accessory buildings or structures, parking areas, driveways and any other surfaces which reduce and prevent absorption of stormwater shall not exceed 70 percent of the total lot area unless modified in accordance with subsection 36-482(15).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
LDC § 36-380(6)(c)-(d) sets Springfield's R-SF lot-coverage rule as a paired minimum/maximum: at least 30 percent of the lot must stay open space (yards, bufferyards, living ground cover), while impervious area, every building, structure, parking area, driveway, and other surface that blocks stormwater absorption, can't exceed 70 percent of total lot area. Both figures can be adjusted only through the landscaping modification process at LDC § 36-482(15); there's no by-right way around them otherwise.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 70 percent impervious cap or falling under 30 percent open space blocks site plan or building permit approval; enforcement runs through LDC § 36-335, zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum lot coverage in Springfield's R-SF district?
What counts as impervious surface?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Missouri building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.