City of Alameda - Building Square Footage to Lot Size Ratio

I recently spoke to one of the City of Alameda planners about whether or not there is a fixed ratio for building size square footage to lot size square footage that will determine whether you can build an addition on a property.  In other words, if you have a 1000 SF building and a 5000 SF lot, is the lot large enough for you to add on an addition to the 1000 SF building.  


In the City of Alameda there is no fixed ratio.  There are different allowances based on size of lot, height, zoning district, open space requirements, parking and setbacks.  In order to find out more you would need to contact the planner and give them the exact property address to determine whether or not you can build an addition on a certain structure.  

City of Alameda - Building a Structure In Your Backyard

Question: We have found a home that we love, but the only issue is that there is no garage. There is a driveway that leads into the backyard and there is a carport at the end of the driveway. The carport was built with permits. Can we convert the carport into a garage?

Answer: According to the planner that I spoke with at the City of Alameda, the structure would have to go through the design review process. All homes within 100 feet would be notified of the proposed building and would have an opportunity to speak up against it. So, the answer is "maybe".

However, strucutures smaller than 120 square feet (shed, play house) do not need a permit in the City of Alameda. In fact, I recently saw a beautiful tree house that was done without permits. Click here to view the list of construction projects that can be completed in the City of Alameda without any permits.