Concrete Coverage Limits

Overview

Concrete Coverage Limits

Impermeable surfaces on homes with lot sizes over 5,000 square feet can only cover up to 60% of a residential front yard and (for corner properties) street side yard. The other 40% of ground area must be permeable surfaces, like grass, soil, landscaping, rock aggregate, decomposed granite, and similar materials.

What is an impermeable surface?

Impermeable surfaces are any materials that prevent water from permeating into the ground. Think concrete, asphalt, and other products that form an impenetrable barrier between the topmost layer on the ground and the soil beneath. Other examples include stone, brick, pavers, patio blocks, etc. set in concrete grout (or equivalent).

What about loose rocks, pavers and patio blocks?

Areas covered in loose rock are permeable and would not be calculated into the 60% of land allowed for impermeable surface coverage in front yard and front side yard setback areas.

Non-grouted stone, pavers, patio blocks, strip or “Hollywood Driveways,” and crushed aggregate are also considered to be permeable.

Why is impermeable coverage important?

Limiting impermeable coverage helps prevent excessive vehicle parking on private property as parking is only allowed on impermeable surfaces in the City of Rocklin. It also serves to ensure minimal pervious areas are maintained on each property to aid with storm water management and allow absorption to recharge groundwater reserves.

Does this rule affect my back yard, too?

No, the concrete coverage rule only applies to residential front yard setback and, on corner lots, the street side yard setback areas on lots over 5,000 square feet in area.

What happens if I already have more than 60% of my yard covered?

Residential concrete projects installed prior to the new coverage rules taking effect on July 7, 2019, would be exempt.

Additional information

  • A property owner can also submit an exemption application to the Community Development Department at (916) 625-5160 if they have special circumstances regarding shape, size, topography, or other unique conditions of their front yard.
  • No permit is required for concrete installation in Rocklin, but the City recommends checking with the Planning Dept. at planner@rocklin.ca.us or (916) 625-5166 before starting work.
  • Projects installed after July 7, 2019 that the City determines do not meet ordinance requirements will be subject to modification or removal at the owner’s expense.
  • Read Ordinance 17.08.132 on permeable surface requirements.

Impermeable surfaces on homes with lot sizes over 5,000 square feet can only cover up to 60% of a residential front yard and (for corner properties) street side yard. The other 40% of ground area must be permeable surfaces, like grass, soil, landscaping, rock aggregate, decomposed granite, and similar materials.

What is an impermeable surface?

Impermeable surfaces are any materials that prevent water from permeating into the ground. Think concrete, asphalt, and other products that form an impenetrable barrier between the topmost layer on the ground and the soil beneath. Other examples include stone, brick, pavers, patio blocks, etc. set in concrete grout (or equivalent).

What about loose rocks, pavers and patio blocks?

Areas covered in loose rock are permeable and would not be calculated into the 60% of land allowed for impermeable surface coverage in front yard and front side yard setback areas.

Non-grouted stone, pavers, patio blocks, strip or “Hollywood Driveways,” and crushed aggregate are also considered to be permeable.

Why is impermeable coverage important?

Limiting impermeable coverage helps prevent excessive vehicle parking on private property as parking is only allowed on impermeable surfaces in the City of Rocklin. It also serves to ensure minimal pervious areas are maintained on each property to aid with storm water management and allow absorption to recharge groundwater reserves.

Does this rule affect my back yard, too?

No, the concrete coverage rule only applies to residential front yard setback and, on corner lots, the street side yard setback areas on lots over 5,000 square feet in area.

What happens if I already have more than 60% of my yard covered?

Residential concrete projects installed prior to the new coverage rules taking effect on July 7, 2019, would be exempt.

Additional information

  • A property owner can also submit an exemption application to the Community Development Department at (916) 625-5160 if they have special circumstances regarding shape, size, topography, or other unique conditions of their front yard.
  • No permit is required for concrete installation in Rocklin, but the City recommends checking with the Planning Dept. at planner@rocklin.ca.us or (916) 625-5166 before starting work.
  • Projects installed after July 7, 2019 that the City determines do not meet ordinance requirements will be subject to modification or removal at the owner’s expense.
  • Read Ordinance 17.08.132 on permeable surface requirements.