Lot Coverage Limits: Belmont vs Waltham
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Belmont, MA and Waltham, MA?
Belmont has fewer restrictions than Waltham.
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 →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 | Belmont | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Zoning Bylaw Sec. 4.2 | - |
| SR Districts Coverage | 25% max | - |
| GR Districts Coverage | 30% max | - |
| SR-C Stories | 2.5 max | - |
| 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.
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.
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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