Denver's Zoning Code establishes maximum building height limits for each zone district. Height limits range from 30 feet in single-unit residential zones to unlimited in downtown core districts. Community Planning and Development reviews all building permits for height compliance.
Typical height limits by zone type: Single Unit (SU) zones allow 30-35 feet (2.5 stories), Two Unit (TU) zones allow 30-35 feet, Row House (RH) zones allow 35-45 feet, Multi-Unit (MU) zones allow 45-75 feet depending on subzone, Mixed Use (MX) zones range from 45-110 feet, and Downtown (D) zones can allow unlimited height. Height is measured from the average grade to the highest point of the roof or parapet. Rooftop mechanical equipment, chimneys, and antennas may exceed height limits within defined limits. Accessory structures typically have their own height caps (17-24 feet depending on zone). The DZC includes view plane protections near specific civic landmarks.
Construction exceeding height limits without a variance is a code violation. Building permits are reviewed for height compliance before issuance. Non-compliant structures may be required to be reduced to conforming height. Variances for height are rare and require Board of Adjustment approval. View plane violations near protected landmarks face strict enforcement.
Denver, CO
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Denver, CO
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See how Denver's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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