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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

R-1 primary height
35 feet
R-2 primary height
30 feet
Accessory structures
25 feet maximum
Multi-family (R-3A, R-4)
Up to 45 feet
Exempt features
Chimneys, water towers, spires

Summary

In most Jefferson County residential districts the primary-structure height limit is 35 feet; R-2 is 30 feet, and accessory structures are capped at 25 feet. Multi-family structures reach 45 feet in R-3A and R-4. Chimneys, water towers and similar features are exempt.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, and Arvada have their own structure height limits rules that differ from Jefferson County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The height limitations established for any zone district, except Planned Development, shall not apply to chimneys, stacks, water towers, grain elevators, silos, elevators, monuments, dome spires, belfries, hangars and accessory symbols of government, religious, fraternal and civic organizations when attached to the respective building.

Full Breakdown

Section 30 tables the primary-structure height per district: 35 feet in R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-3, R-3A, R-4 and the RR districts, 30 feet in R-2, and 80 feet in RR-1/4. Multi-family structures may reach 45 feet in R-3A and R-4. All other accessory structures are limited to 25 feet, and never more than the height of the primary structure. Section 2.L exempts chimneys, stacks, water towers, silos, elevators, monuments, spires and belfries (except in Planned Development) from the district height limits.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the district height limit is a zoning violation requiring a variance or correction; building permits are reviewed against these caps before approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my house be?
In most residential districts, including R-1, the primary structure is capped at 35 feet. R-2 is limited to 30 feet. Check your specific zone district for the exact figure.
Does a chimney or antenna count toward the height limit?
Height limits apply to flagpoles and radio/TV/microwave towers, but chimneys, water towers, silos, spires and belfries are exempt outside Planned Development districts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jefferson County

All Jefferson County rules

Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado building setbacks & zoning overview

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Structure Height Limits in Cities Across Jefferson County