Lot Coverage Limits: Rockville vs Takoma Park
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Rockville, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Rockville and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Rockville limits the percentage of a lot that may be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces. In single-family residential zones, building coverage is typically limited to 30% to 35% of lot area, with total impervious surface (including driveways and patios) capped at 45% to 55%. Exceeding coverage limits requires a variance from the Board of Appeals.
View full Rockville rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Lot coverage in Takoma Park residential zones is limited to 35 percent of the total lot area under Montgomery County zoning. This includes the footprint of all structures, driveways, patios, and other impervious surfaces. The city also enforces stormwater management requirements that may further restrict impervious surface area.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rockville | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| R-60 Building Coverage | Approximately 35% maximum | - |
| Total Impervious | 50% to 55% maximum | - |
| Includes | Buildings, driveways, patios, walks | All structures, driveways, patios |
| Stormwater Rules | Chapter 19 City Code | - |
| Planning Dept | 240-314-8200 | - |
| R-60 Max Coverage | - | 35 percent of lot area |
| Stormwater Threshold | - | 5,000 sq ft new impervious |
| Pervious Pavers | - | May receive partial coverage credit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rockville FAQ
How much of my Rockville lot can I cover with buildings?
In the R-60 zone, building coverage is limited to approximately 35% of the lot area. Total impervious surfaces including driveways and patios are capped at around 50% to 55%. Contact Planning at 240-314-8200 for your specific zone limits.
Do driveways and patios count toward lot coverage?
Yes. Driveways, patios, sidewalks, and other hardscaped surfaces count toward total impervious surface coverage limits. Some permeable paving materials may be excluded under specific conditions.
What if I want to exceed lot coverage limits?
You would need to apply for a variance from the Board of Appeals. You must also comply with the city's stormwater management requirements under Chapter 19, which may require on-site stormwater controls for increased impervious area.
Takoma Park FAQ
What counts toward lot coverage in Takoma Park?
All impervious surfaces count, including the house footprint, garage, shed, driveway, walkways, and patios. Certain pervious paving materials may receive partial credit.
Can I pave my entire front yard for parking?
Unlikely. This would push most lots over the 35 percent coverage limit and would also need to comply with front-yard parking restrictions and stormwater management requirements.
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