Boulder County, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Agricultural (A)
- 35' front, 7' side, 15' rear
- Rural Residential (RR)
- 25' front, 7' side, 15' rear
- Suburban Residential (SR)
- 25' front, 7' side, 15' rear
- Estate Residential (ER)
- 35' front, 10' side, 25' rear
- Major-road front
- Measured from centerline
Summary
In unincorporated Boulder County, setbacks are set by the Land Use Code Article 4 zoning table. For example, Agricultural (A) requires 35' front, 7' side, 15' rear; Suburban Residential (SR) requires 25' front, 7' side, 15' rear. Setbacks vary by district and road.
Cornices, canopies, eaves or similar architectural features may extend two feet into a required yard. Fire escapes may extend six feet into a required rear yard.
Full Breakdown
Boulder County's Land Use Code Article 4 zoning table lists minimum front, side, and rear setbacks for each district. Agricultural (A): 35' front / 7' side / 15' rear. Rural Residential (RR): 25' / 7' / 15'. Estate Residential (ER): 35' / 10' / 25'. Suburban Residential (SR): 25' / 7' / 15'. Forestry (F): 15' front / 25' side / 15' rear. Business and Commercial: 60' front (from roadway centerline) / 0' or 12' side / 20' rear. Along designated major roads, the front setback may instead be measured from the roadway centerline, for example 110 feet for principal arterials.
Violations & Fines
Building within a required setback without a variance is a Land Use Code violation; the county may deny a building permit, require relocation, or pursue enforcement through Community Planning & Permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the setbacks in the Agricultural district?
Can eaves overhang into the setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado building setbacks & zoning overview
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