Aurora, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-R/R-1/R-2 max height
- 38 feet
- R-3 multifamily max
- 45 feet
- R-4 multifamily max
- 65 feet
- R-MH manufactured housing max
- 20 feet
- Ham/TV antenna exception
- up to 45 feet, rear yard
Summary
Aurora's UDO caps building height by zone: 38 feet in the R-R, R-1 and R-2 single-family districts, up to 45 feet in R-3 and 65 feet in R-4 multifamily zones, and 20 feet for manufactured housing.
B. Height Limits. No structure shall exceed the height limits described in the zone district standards except as specified in this Section 146-4.2.4 (Exceptions and Encroachments). Table 4.2-1 -- Zone District: R-R | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | R-MH; Building height, maximum: 38 ft. | 38 ft. | 38 ft. | 45 ft.[7] | 65 ft.[8] | 20 ft.[9]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (current through Ordinance No. 2026-03, Feb. 23, 2026) sets maximum building height by zone district in Table 4.2-1. The R-R, R-1 and R-2 single-family districts cap structures at 38 feet; the R-3 multifamily district allows 45 feet, R-4 up to 65 feet, and the R-MH manufactured-housing district only 20 feet. Section 146-4.2.1.B bars any structure from exceeding its zone district's height limit except for the exceptions and encroachments listed in Section 146-4.2.4: chimneys, spires, skylights and government safety antennas are exempt outright, while a ham radio or TV antenna may reach 45 feet in the rear yard.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the UDO height limit without an approved exception is a zoning violation; the Planning and Development Services Department can deny occupancy or require the structure altered to conform.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle structure height limits.