Lot Coverage Limits: Belmont vs Lowell
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Belmont, MA and Lowell, MA?
Belmont and Lowell have similar restriction levels.
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 →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell lot coverage limits range from about 30 percent in suburban single-family zones to 80 percent or more downtown, with open space requirements in multifamily districts.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Belmont | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Zoning Bylaw Sec. 4.2 | - |
| SR Districts Coverage | 25% max | - |
| GR Districts Coverage | 30% max | - |
| SR-C Stories | 2.5 max | - |
| Suburban coverage | - | About 30 percent |
| Urban coverage | - | 70 to 80 percent |
| Open space | - | Required in multifamily |
| Stormwater trigger | - | Impervious thresholds |
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.
Lowell FAQ
Does a driveway count toward lot coverage?
Pavement counts toward impervious coverage for stormwater, but usually not toward building coverage unless your district defines lot coverage to include all structures.
Can I exceed the coverage limit?
Only with a dimensional variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which requires proof of hardship under MGL c.40A.
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