North Carolina site-plan drafting and permit drawing support

Estimate your
building lot coverage.

Enter your lot area and building footprint changes to compare existing and proposed building-coverage percentages. This calculator does not determine your zoning allowance.

Educational estimates only. Check local classification and source measurements before using results for a permit.

Free coverage estimateUnderstand the formulaLocal limits varyNo account needed
01Property documents first
02Drawing scope in writing
03Useful PDF deliverables
04City comments assessed
INTERACTIVE ESTIMATE

Lot Coverage Calculator

Replace the sample inputs with your own measurements. Calculations update as you type; nothing is transmitted or stored.

Enter your areas

Use square feet. Zero means none. Negative values aren’t accepted.

All figures in sq ft

YOUR ESTIMATED COVERAGE

Proposed percentage—
Existing percentage—
Proposed counted area—
Net change—

Enter valid figures to see an estimate.

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Not a certified calculation or determination of regulatory compliance.

HOW THE MATH WORKS

Understand the percentage.

For a fictional 10,000 sq ft lot with 2,200 sq ft of existing building footprint and 350 sq ft added, the estimate becomes 25.5%.

Proposed counted area = existing counted area + proposed additions – existing counted area removed.

Estimated coverage (%) = proposed counted area ÷ lot area × 100.

What counts as a building or impervious surface is determined by the relevant local ordinance, not this page. Do not assume this percentage establishes permit eligibility.

THREE VERIFICATION STEPS

Check the result before relying on it.

01

Confirm lot area

Use an appropriate survey or documented parcel area, then check whether local calculation adjustments apply.

02

Identify counted buildings

Measure existing and proposed roofed or enclosed areas according to the local definition.

03

Compare the result

Review the estimated percentage against the verified ordinance and submitter’s guidance.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What the result means.

These estimates are useful for planning and discussion with your permitting authority, not a substitute for a project-specific professional review.

Does this calculator determine whether a project is permitted?

No. It calculates a simple ratio. Zoning, stormwater, setbacks, overlays and the governing local definitions must be reviewed separately.

Does a deck count toward building coverage?

That depends on the applicable local ordinance and whether the structure is covered or otherwise included in the local building-coverage definition.

Should I use survey lot area?

Reliable property documentation is preferable. A screenshot or rough GIS estimate is not automatically a certified property area.

Need a site plan for your real property?

Send the address, property information and proposed improvements. We can discuss the drawings and coverage schedules appropriate to your project.

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