Building Setbacks & Zoning in Arvada, CO

Arvada maintains 140 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Arvada falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Lot Coverage Limits

Arvada caps how much of a residential lot a building can cover under Table 2-1-3-3A of the Land Development Code. The tightest limit sits in the largest-lot subdistrict, RN-32.5, at 25 percent lot coverage, while RN-7.5, RN-6 and RN-4 allow 40 percent and RN-D duplex lots are capped at 30 percent. Exceeding the cap is an enumerated Code violation.

Key details: RN-32.5 max coverage: 25%. RN-12.5 max coverage: 35%. RN-7.5/RN-6/RN-4 max coverage: 40%. RN-D duplex max coverage: 30%. Accessory buildings: Count toward the same cap.

Exceeding a subdistrict's maximum lot coverage is specifically listed as a violation under Section 10-1-2-1(A)(4). The City can deny or withhold permits, issue a stop-work order under Section 10-1-2-2(E), or pursue an injunction or abatement action in Arvada Municipal Court. An uncorrected violation is a misdemeanor under Section 10-1-2-3, punishable by a fine set in Section 1-5 of the Municipal Code or up to 180 days in jail, with each day counted separately.

Setback Rules

Arvada requires a 100-foot setback measured from the centerline of any arterial street for single-family detached homes, duplexes, townhomes, multiplex buildings and accessory dwelling units under Section 2-1-9-2. The rule applies citywide except in the Olde Town Zoning District and along a stretch of Ralston Road, and it layers on top of the standard front-yard setback set for each zoning district.

Key details: Arterial setback distance: 100 ft from street centerline. Applies to: SF detached, duplex, townhome, multiplex, ADU. Exemptions: Olde Town district; part of Ralston Rd. Garage treatment: Standard district setback unless living space above. Measured from: Centerline of the arterial, not curb.

Section 10-1-2-1(A)(4) lists reducing a required setback below the LDC minimum, including the arterial street setback, as an enumerated violation. The City may withhold or revoke a building permit, issue a stop-work order under Section 10-1-2-2(E), or pursue abatement or injunctive relief in Arvada Municipal Court. An uncorrected violation is a misdemeanor under Section 10-1-2-3, punishable by a fine under Section 1-5 of the Municipal Code or up to 180 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.

Structure Height Limits

Arvada caps residential building height by subdistrict under Table 2-1-3-3A: 35 feet for a principal home in RN-32.5, dropping to 28 feet in every smaller-lot RN subdistrict, with detached ADUs limited to 25 or 30 feet and accessory buildings to 16 or 20 feet. Section 2-1-10-2 exempts specific rooftop elements like chimneys and solar panels from the cap.

Key details: Principal building, RN-32.5: 35 ft max. Principal building, other RN zones: 28 ft max. Detached ADU height: 25-30 ft max. Accessory building height: 16-20 ft max. Rooftop exemptions: Chimneys, skylights, solar, antennas.

Constructing a principal building, ADU, or accessory structure above the height listed in Table 2-1-3-3A is an activity "inconsistent with LDC" under Section 10-1-2-1(A)(1). The City may deny or revoke the building permit, issue a stop-work order under Section 10-1-2-2(E), or seek a court injunction. An uncorrected violation is a misdemeanor under Section 10-1-2-3, punishable by a fine set in Section 1-5 of the Municipal Code or up to 180 days in jail, with each day a separate violation.

The Bottom Line

Arvada's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Arvada is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Arvada's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.