Lot Coverage Limits: Belmont vs Cambridge
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Belmont, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Belmont has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Belmont, MA
Middlesex County
Belmont's Zoning Bylaw (Section 4.2, Dimensional Regulations, as amended through March 3, 2025) caps lot coverage at 25% in Single Residence districts (SR-A, SR-B, SR-C) and 30% in General Residence districts. SR-C single-family lots are also limited to 2.5 stories.
View full Belmont rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge regulates lot coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) by zoning district, with Residence A limited to modest coverage and business districts allowing much higher intensity with inclusionary housing.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Belmont | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Zoning Bylaw Sec. 4.2 | - |
| SR Districts Coverage | 25% max | - |
| GR Districts Coverage | 30% max | - |
| SR-C Stories | 2.5 max | - |
| Res A FAR | - | 0.5 to 0.75 |
| Res A coverage | - | About 35 percent |
| Business FAR | - | Up to 4.0 plus |
| Bonuses | - | Inclusionary, LEED |
| Open space | - | Required complement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Belmont FAQ
What is the maximum lot coverage in Belmont MA?
25% in Single Residence districts (SR-A, SR-B, SR-C) and 30% in General Residence districts under Section 4.2 of the Belmont Zoning Bylaw as amended through March 3, 2025.
Can I exceed Belmont's lot coverage limit?
Only with a variance from the Belmont Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA reviews variance requests against the standard hardship criteria and impact on neighbors.
Cambridge FAQ
What is FAR?
Floor Area Ratio is the ratio of total building floor area to lot area; a 0.75 FAR on a 5,000 sf lot allows 3,750 sf of floor area.
Can I get a coverage bonus?
Some bonuses exist for inclusionary housing and green building certifications via special permit.
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