Site Coverage
Definition
The percentage of a site area that is occupied by buildings or structures, measured as the ratio of the total ground floor area of all buildings to the total site area. This includes all built structures that contact the ground, such as main buildings, garages, covered patios, and other ancillary structures.
Purpose
Control the amount of built form on a site to ensure adequate open space, natural light penetration, ventilation, and overall environmental quality. This metric helps prevent overdevelopment and maintains appropriate building density.
Examples of Use
- Urban design assessment and development control.
- Open space planning and landscape requirements.
- Environmental impact studies and microclimate analysis.
- Stormwater management planning.
- Site capacity and development feasibility studies.
Related Terms
- Building Coverage Ratio
- Open Space Ratio
- Plot Ratio
- Site Density
- Permeable Surface Ratio
Notes
Site coverage requirements help maintain urban amenity, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood character. Requirements typically vary by zoning district and land use type, with different maximums for residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
