El Paso County, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Height limits in El Paso County vary significantly by zone. Colorado Springs residential R-1 6000: 30 ft; R-2 two-family: 30 ft; R-5 multi-family: 45 ft. Colorado Springs Downtown Form-Based Code (adopted 2009, updated 2020): up to 175 ft in core zones, enabling projects like the Olympic Hilton and USAA Tower. El Paso County LDC: RS-6000 — 30 ft; RS-20000 — 35 ft; RR-2.5/RR-5 — 35 ft; A-35 — 45 ft (for agricultural barns). Height measured from average finished grade to highest point of roof (excluding chimneys, antennas, mechanical equipment up to 10 ft additional). The Colorado Springs Hillside Overlay (CSCC §7.3.603) imposes strict 24-ft limits on slopes over 10%, with additional ridgeline setbacks preserving Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain viewsheds. USAF Academy airspace creates federal height restrictions (FAA Part 77 surfaces) — structures near USAFA/COS airports require FAA Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction. Manitou Springs Historic District caps at 30 ft to match the 1870s-era town character. Grand Mesa foothills, Palmer Divide, and Cedar Heights enforce ridgeline protections.