Denver zoning limits residential structure height to 30-35 feet typical, varying by context. Urban Center zones allow up to 200+ feet. The Mountain View Protection Ordinance (DRMC §10-5) restricts building heights in 7 defined view-plane corridors across the city.
The Denver Zoning Code Article 5 sets maximum heights by district. Typical values: - Urban Edge SU (E-SU-D): 30 ft / 2.5 stories - Urban SU (U-SU-B): 30 ft / 2.5 stories - Suburban SU (S-SU-D): 35 ft - Urban Center MX-5: 70 ft - Downtown Core DC-D: 200+ ft unlimited with design standards Height is measured from the lowest point of elevation within the building footprint to the highest point (excluding permitted encroachments like chimneys and antennas up to an additional 15 ft). The Mountain View Protection Ordinance (DRMC §10-5 through §10-12) adopts seven designated view planes (State Capitol to the Rockies, Cranmer Park, Cheesman Park, City Park, etc.) where building heights are further capped regardless of base zoning to protect mountain vistas. Historic districts and landmark sites require additional review by Landmark Preservation. Height variances and rezonings go through CPD and City Council.
Exceeding height: stop-work order from CPD, required to reduce height or obtain variance. Fines $250 to $999 under DRMC. Mountain View Protection violation: major enforcement, potentially including demolition order.
Denver County, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver County, CO
Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and ...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.
Denver County, CO
Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active wor...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties r...
Denver County, CO
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fen...
See how Denver County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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