# Berkeley Lake Requires Lot Coverage Percentages on Every Site Plan — and Still Wants a CD or DVD with Your Submission
Berkeley Lake's community revolves around protecting the character of a small lake city — and that shows up in the permit requirements. Every site plan submitted to the Building Department must show two percentages: the total lot coverage (all impervious surfaces on the lot) and the building coverage (just the buildings and structures). These aren't optional additions to the plan — they're listed requirements, and missing them flags your application as incomplete.
The electronic copy on CD or DVD is a holdover from an era when most cities have moved to portal submissions — but Berkeley Lake still requires it. Before you drive to the building inspector's office, have your two paper sets and your disc.
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Understanding Lot Coverage vs. Building Coverage
These are two different calculations Berkeley Lake wants to see side-by-side on your site plan:
| Calculation | What It Measures | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Lot coverage | Total impervious area ÷ lot area | House footprint + driveway + all paved surfaces + pool deck + proposed additions |
| Building coverage | Total building/structure footprint ÷ lot area | House footprint + sheds + garages + proposed structures (exclude driveways and paved areas) |
Both are expressed as percentages. Calculate them before you export your plan, and label them clearly in the title block or in a coverage summary table on the drawing.
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Submission Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan sets | 2 sets — one copy no larger than 11″ × 17″ |
| Electronic copy | CD or DVD — required at submission |
| REScheck | Energy compliance calculations (where required) |
| Owner's Affidavit | If owner is acting as general contractor |
| Contractor documents | State license, business license, photo ID (if not owner) |
| Permit expiration | 12 months from issuance |
| Plan review | Minimum 5 business days |
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What a Berkeley Lake Site Plan Must Show
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Property lines | Actual lot dimensions on all sides |
| Existing structures | Location and size of all existing buildings |
| Proposed structures | Shape, size, height, use, and location on the lot |
| Setbacks | All setback measurements from all structures to property lines |
| Lot coverage percentage | All existing + proposed impervious surfaces ÷ lot area |
| Building coverage percentage | All existing + proposed buildings ÷ lot area |
| Flood zone information | If applicable — show zone and elevation |
| Septic system | Tank and drain field locations if property is on septic |
| North arrow | Required |
| Scale | Stated in title block |
| Title block | Address, owner, preparer, date |
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Berkeley Lake Setbacks
| Yard | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Front yard | 20 – 50 ft |
| Side yard | 5 – 10 ft |
| Rear yard | 15 – 30 ft |
| Accessory structures | 5 ft minimum from all property lines |
Verify your specific district with the Berkeley Lake Building Department. As a lakefront community with premium lot values, some districts may have additional buffer or setback overlays near the lake shore.
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Project-by-Project Requirements
| Project | What to Show | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | Lot bounds, deck footprint, height, setbacks, lot/building coverage | Permit required |
| Pool | Lot bounds, pool and deck location, barriers, setbacks, coverage | Permit required |
| Shed (120+ sq ft) | Lot bounds, shed footprint, setbacks, coverage | Under 120 sq ft: no permit |
| Garage | Lot bounds, garage footprint, driveway, setbacks, coverage | Permit required |
| Fence | Lot bounds, fence line, height, setbacks | Verify requirement with dept |
| Addition | Existing + addition footprints, setbacks, coverage both before and after | Permit required |
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How the Site Plan Creator Handles Berkeley Lake Plans
- Enter your Berkeley Lake address. Gwinnett County parcel data loads — lot boundaries, bearings, and total lot area calculate automatically.
- Place your proposed structure. Setback lines generate from property boundaries.
- Calculate lot coverage. The tool tabulates existing impervious surfaces from the building footprint layer. Add your proposed structure's area to the running total and express as a percentage of the lot area.
- Calculate building coverage. Sum all structure footprints (house + proposed) divided by lot area.
- Add coverage percentages to the plan. Label both percentages in the title block area or in a dedicated coverage summary on the sheet.
- Export, print two copies, and burn to disc. One set no larger than 11″ × 17″ and your electronic disc copy submit together.
See how to edit your title sheet to add coverage calculations and other required notes.
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What This Doesn't Replace
The site plan creator generates preliminary, conceptual drawings for residential projects where Berkeley Lake allows homeowner-prepared plans. It is not a licensed land survey, a flood elevation certificate, or a septic system location document. Where the plan requires septic or floodplain documentation, engage the appropriate licensed professionals. Final permit approval is at the sole discretion of the Berkeley Lake Building Department.
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Local Resources
- City of Berkeley Lake Building Department — (770) 368-9484 x444 / inspector@berkeley-lake.com
- Gwinnett County GIS
- Georgia DCA State Building Codes
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Nearby Cities in Gwinnett
County overview: Gwinnett County permit site plan requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does Berkeley Lake require lot coverage and building coverage on the site plan?
Berkeley Lake is a small lakefront city with strict attention to site impacts. Impervious surface coverage affects stormwater runoff, lake water quality, and neighborhood character. The city requires both calculations to verify zoning compliance before any permit is issued.
2. What is the difference between lot coverage and building coverage?
Lot coverage is all impervious surfaces on the lot expressed as a percentage — house, driveway, pool deck, all paved areas, and proposed additions. Building coverage is only the footprints of buildings and structures. Driveways and paved areas not covered by a roof count in lot coverage but not in building coverage.
3. Does Berkeley Lake still require a CD or DVD?
Yes — per the draft requirements, an electronic copy on CD or DVD is required with the plan submission. Verify this is still current policy with the Building Department at (770) 368-9484 before your submission.
4. How long is a Berkeley Lake building permit valid?
Permits expire 12 months from issuance. There is no automatic extension. If work is not completed within 12 months, a new permit must be applied for.
5. How long does plan review take?
A minimum of 5 business days. More complex projects may take longer. Submit a complete application on the first pass to avoid restarting the review clock.
6. What is the shed exemption in Berkeley Lake?
Sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from building permits under Gwinnett County rules. Sheds at or above that threshold require a permit and a full site plan including coverage calculations.
7. When is an Owner's Affidavit required?
If the property owner is acting as their own general contractor, an Owner's Affidavit is required at submission. Licensed contractors submit their state license, business license, and photo ID instead.
8. Does the site plan creator calculate coverage automatically?
The tool calculates existing building footprint impervious area from Gwinnett County parcel data. You'll need to add your proposed structure's square footage to the running total and calculate the final percentage. The title sheet editor lets you add both coverage figures to the plan before export.
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Build Your Berkeley Lake Site Plan With Coverage Calculations Included
Five-day minimum review. Two sets plus a disc. Lot coverage and building coverage on the plan. Enter your address, generate your Gwinnett County parcel geometry, place your project, calculate both coverage percentages, and export. First plan is free.
Start My Berkeley Lake Site Plan →
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