Lakewood, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Min front setback
- 25 feet, all R zones
- Min rear setback
- 15 feet, all R zones
- Min side setback
- 5-15 feet by zone
- Front measured from
- back of curb
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 17.5.1.2
Summary
Lakewood's Zoning Ordinance sets a 25-foot minimum front setback and a 15-foot minimum rear setback across every residential zone district, from R-1-43 down to R-MH, under Table 17.5.1's dimensional standards.
Unless specifically excluded by this Zoning Ordinance, any building or structure, including any accessory building or structure, shall conform to the setback requirements for the applicable zone district as set forth in the dimensional standards identified in Article 5. ... Table 17.5.1: Minimum Front 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 ... Minimum Rear 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Full Breakdown
Article 5's dimensional standards, Table 17.5.1, apply the same 25-foot minimum front setback and 15-foot minimum rear setback to all eight residential zone districts in the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, Colorado. R-1-43, R-1-18, R-1-12, R-1-9, R-1-6, R-2, R-MF, and R-MH. Side setbacks range from 5 to 15 feet, shrinking as the zone's minimum lot width shrinks down the R-1 series. Front and non-primary front setbacks are measured from the back of curb (plus 3 feet if no curb exists), while side and rear setbacks run from the property line to the building's outer exterior finish. Awnings, eaves, uncovered patios, and a handful of other minor elements can encroach into required setbacks under § 17.5.1.2.E.
Violations & Fines
Building or placing a structure without meeting these setbacks is a Zoning Ordinance violation prosecutable under the Municipal Code, with each day of noncompliance after written notice to abate a separate offense (§ 17.1.11).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back from the street must a Lakewood house sit?
What's the minimum rear-yard setback in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Setback Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle setback rules.