El Paso County, CO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS/RR/F/A districts
- 30 ft max height
- RM-12 & RM-30 districts
- 40 ft max height
- Extra-setback bonus
- +1 ft height per +1 ft setback
- Enforced by
- Planning and Community Development
Summary
El Paso County caps residential buildings at 30 feet in the RS, RR, F-5, A-5, A-35 and R-T zoning districts, while RM-12 and RM-30 multifamily districts allow up to 40 feet under Land Development Code Table 5-4.
Table 5-4. Density and Dimensional Standards for Agricultural, Residential and Special Purpose Districts ... Residential Suburban Zoning Districts 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 Residential Multifamily Zoning Districts RM-12 12 3,500 sq ft8,13 35 ft 20 ft10,13 15 ft10,13 5 ft10,13 70% 40 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
Table 5-4 in Chapter 5 of the Land Development Code sets a 30-foot maximum structure height for the county's agricultural and single-family districts (F-5, A-35, A-5, RR-5, RR-2.5, RR-0.5, RS-20000, RS-6000, RS-5000, R-T), and 40 feet for the RM-12 and RM-30 multifamily districts. Section 5.4.3(G) notes church spires, belfries, chimneys and similar architectural features are exempt, and a footnote allows one extra foot of height for each additional foot of setback beyond the minimum, up to 100 feet total, if a structure is set back further than required.
Violations & Fines
Structures exceeding the district's height limit are not eligible for a building permit; Planning and Community Development can issue a notice of violation and require the structure be brought into conformance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height limit for a house in RS-6000 zoning?
Can a residential building exceed 30 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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