El Paso County, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- RS-6000 front/rear setback
- 25 ft
- RS-6000 side setback
- 5 ft
- RS-20000 front/rear setback
- 40 ft
- RM-12 front setback
- 20 ft
Summary
El Paso County's Table 5-4 sets minimum front, rear and side yard setbacks for every agricultural, residential and special-purpose zoning district: 25 feet front and rear with a 5-foot side setback for standard RS-6000 residential lots.
Table 5-4. Density and Dimensional Standards for Agricultural, Residential and Special Purpose Districts ... Minimum Setbacks Principal(Accessory) Front Rear Side ... RS-20000 20,000 sq ft 100 ft 40 ft 40 (15) ft 15 ft 20% 30 ft RS-6000 6,000 sq ft7,13 50 ft 25 ft13 25 (5) ft13 5 ft13 40%/45%15 30 ft
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5, Table 5-4 of the Land Development Code lists minimum front, rear and side setbacks by zoning district, measured from the property line. RS-6000 and RS-5000 residential suburban lots require a 25-foot front setback, a 25-foot rear setback (5 feet for accessory structures), and a 5-foot side setback. Setbacks widen in lower-density districts, reaching 40 feet front and rear in RS-20000, and narrow to 15-20 feet in the RM-12 multifamily district. Corner lots may qualify for a reduced setback under Section 5.4.2(C).
Violations & Fines
Building within the required setback without an approved variance violates the Code and can result in a stop-work order or removal of the encroaching structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the front setback for a standard county residential lot?
Are setbacks the same in every zoning district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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