Lot Coverage Limits: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley R-1 zones limit main building lot coverage to 40 percent and total structure coverage to 50 percent, with ADUs and SB 9 units subject to state-law overrides.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro RS zones typically cap building lot coverage at 40%. Impervious surface limits apply under Bay Area C.3 stormwater standards.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 main building | 40% max coverage | - |
| R-1 total | 50% max coverage | - |
| Typical FAR | 0.4 to 0.6 | - |
| ADU override | 800 sq ft minimum | - |
| Code | Title 23 | - |
| RS coverage | - | ~40% max |
| RM coverage | - | 50-60% |
| ADU exemption | - | 800 sq ft state rule |
| C.3 threshold | - | 2,500 sq ft impervious |
| Calculation | - | Roof footprint / net lot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Does a detached garage count toward coverage?
Yes, all roofed structures count, though ADU state law exempts one 800 sq ft unit from local coverage caps.
Are patios counted?
Unroofed patios generally do not count for lot coverage but may count for impervious surface stormwater limits.
San Leandro FAQ
Do patios count toward lot coverage?
Unroofed patios typically don't count, but they do count toward impervious surface under C.3.
Can I max coverage with an ADU?
Yes. State law guarantees an 800 sq ft ADU even when coverage caps are exceeded.
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