Adams County, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1-C front setback
- 20 feet
- R-1-C side setback
- 17 ft / 5 ft
- R-1-C rear setback
- 15 feet
- A-1 front setback
- 30 feet
- Governing code
- DSR 3-13 (R-1-C), 3-08 (A-1)
Summary
In the R-1-C residential district of unincorporated Adams County, principal structures need a 20-foot front setback, 17/5-foot side setbacks, and a 15-foot rear setback. Agricultural (A-1) districts require a 30-foot front setback.
The minimum front setback for a principal structure in a Residential-1-C District shall be twenty (20) feet.
Full Breakdown
Adams County DSR Section 3-13 sets R-1-C principal-structure setbacks: minimum front 20 feet, side corner 20 feet, side 17 feet on one side (or 5 feet from an attached garage) and 5 feet on the other, and rear 15 feet (20 feet if the rear fronts a right-of-way). Accessory structures in R-1-C use 5-foot side and rear setbacks. R-2 uses the same 20/15-foot pattern. Agricultural-1 (Section 3-08) requires a 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 20-foot rear setback for principal structures, with larger arterial and section-line setbacks. Incorporated cities set their own setbacks.
Violations & Fines
Structures encroaching into required setbacks are zoning violations; the owner must obtain a variance (residential fee $500) or bring the structure into compliance. County zoning violations are a misdemeanor under CRS 30-28-124.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the setbacks for a house in unincorporated Adams County?
How far from the property line can an accessory building go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado building setbacks & zoning overview
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