What exactly is "lot coverage" in NJ, and how does it work? (calculation)
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Hi everyone, I was just wondering whether someone/anyone could explain this concept of lot coverage. Is it a specific formula for NJ? Or, does each town have its own? Can you find out if you can build a deck or a shed on your property informally? Or do you have to go through the whole process. Thank you all.
I'm pretty sure each town has its own rules. My town is 40%, that includes driveway, walkways, patio, sheds, basically anything that covers the soil.
Lot coverage is the percentage of your lot that is covered with anything man made. limits are set up to prevent over development and address rainwater/drainage issues. Basically all the open land/soil on your property is a big sponge, the smaller the sponge the less water that is absorbed. You are responsible for the water that falls on your property..sounds a little silly but it is actually a big deal...just ask your neighbor with the flooded basement.
I tried to sneak around it and got red tagged for not getting a zoning review( I was doing a patio and my town only requires actual permits for decks). The zoning review in my town was simple. I just brought in a survey with the dimensions of my proposed patio and the building inspector did the calculation. I was approved and out of there in 15 minutes.
Coverage ratios are town specific and zone specific. Within each town, there is a separate coverage ratio for each type of zone. So you need to know what your zoning is, then you can look up your coverage ratio. You can PM me and I'll look it up. I have access to every zoning map in northern NJ, and I have all the ordinances for each town. Everything that covers the ground counts, the house, the garage, koi ponds, patios, decks, sheds, driveway, walkways, even gravel areas. If your plans include going over the coverage ratio, you will need a variance to proceed, and you probably won't get it unless you submit a plan to deal with the excess runoff caused by over-covering.
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Many thanks!
