Lot Coverage Limits: Arlington vs Waltham
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Arlington has fewer restrictions than Waltham.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Maximum lot coverage is set by municipal zoning under MGL c.40A. Residential districts commonly cap coverage at 25-40 percent; urban lots allow more.
View full Arlington rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham residential zones limit building lot coverage to 25 to 35 percent and cap floor area ratio for single-family homes to preserve neighborhood character.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Suburban typical | 25-40 percent | - |
| Urban metric | FAR often used | - |
| Impervious cap | Tied to MS4 stormwater | - |
| Includes | Buildings, pools, decks | - |
| Relief | ZBA variance | - |
| A-1 Building Cover | - | 25 percent typical |
| A-1 Impervious | - | 50 percent total |
| B District | - | 35 percent building |
| Residential FAR | - | 0.40 to 0.60 |
| Pervious Pavers | - | Reduce calculated coverage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Does the driveway count?
Some bylaws include paved driveways in impervious surface limits even if not in building coverage.
What if I exceed the cap?
You must seek a variance or reduce the footprint before the building department will issue a permit.
Waltham FAQ
Does my Waltham driveway count toward lot coverage?
Yes, paved driveways count toward impervious coverage limits. Pervious pavers or gravel may reduce the calculated coverage depending on materials.
Can I exceed lot coverage with a special permit?
Sometimes, yes. The Zoning Board of Appeals can grant variances, but coverage relief is discretionary and requires hardship.
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