Aurora controls oversized residential additions through Unified Development Ordinance lot-coverage and floor-area-ratio limits, plus Chapter 22 building code review, with stricter standards in legacy neighborhoods to preserve scale and solar access.
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (Ch. 146, 2018) sets lot-coverage, building-height, and floor-area-ratio limits that restrict outsized additions in established residential zones. Chapter 22 building code adds setback enforcement and structural review. Pop-tops, second-story additions, and large rear extensions require permits and zoning compliance review. Some legacy neighborhoods near central Aurora have stricter standards to preserve neighborhood scale, solar access, and stormwater management capacity. Variance requests go to the Board of Adjustment with notice to surrounding owners. Demolish-and-rebuild projects face current code compliance including energy, fire-sprinkler triggers in townhomes, and stormwater detention for impervious-surface increases.
Exceeding lot coverage or FAR without variance triggers stop-work, mandatory redesign, possible demolition orders, and denial of certificate of occupancy under Chapters 22 and 146.
Aurora, CO
Aurora allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots per UDO Section 146-4.7.6, with owner-occupancy and size caps tied to the primary dwelling.
Aurora, CO
Aurora City Code Chapter 22 adopts the International Energy Conservation Code and aligns with the Aurora Climate Action Plan, requiring insulation, fenestrat...
See how Aurora's anti-mansionization rules stack up against other locations.
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