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Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Arvada, CO (2026)

2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Arvada, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Density Bonus Law

Arvada lets mixed-use (MX) district developers build 15 feet taller, up to a 120-foot overall maximum, if a project includes affordable housing units financed with federal low-income housing tax credits alongside market-rate units. Section 2-1-10-4 is the City's height-based development incentive tied to affordable housing, and it applies exclusively within the MX-N, MX-S, MX-U and MX-T mixed-use zoning districts.

Arvada Height Bonus For Affordable Housing

Light Restrictions

Arvada Land Development Code § 2-1-10-4

2-1-10-4. - Incentives for increased building height. A.Generally. Within the MX zoning districts, an increased building height of 15 feet shall be allowed for projects that include affordable housing units provided, however, the maximum overall building height shall not exceed 120 feet.B.Affordable Housing. A development project that includes affordable units that utilize federal low-income ho...

Downtown Design Guide

Arvada regulates downtown building design through a form-based zoning district, not conventional use zoning. Section 2-1-5-1 creates the Olde Town (OT) district specifically to protect Olde Town Arvada's historic character, applying the Division alongside the City's separate Design Guidelines for Olde Town Arvada and requiring that any enlargement or expansion occur in the most historically appropriate location, as determined through design review.

Arvada Olde Town Design Review Standards

Significant Restrictions

Arvada Land Development Code § 2-1-5-1 (Division 2-1-5, Olde Town District)

2-1-5-1. - OT: Olde Town. A.Purpose. The purpose of the Olde Town (OT) form-based zoning district is to protect the established historic character of Olde Town Arvada based on the City's adopted plans and design guidelines for the area. The purpose of this Division is to establish lot, building, and form standards for buildings in the OT zoning district. This Division is applied in conjunction ...

Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arvada city rules.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Jefferson County