Structure Height Limits: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do structure height limits rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs have similar restriction levels.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs regulates maximum building height through the Unified Development Code by zone district. In most single-family residential zones (R-1), the maximum building height is 30 feet. Multi-family zones allow taller structures, generally 35-45 feet depending on the specific zone. Commercial and mixed-use zones may permit greater heights, especially in the downtown core. Building height is measured from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment may extend above the height limit with conditions.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
El Paso County limits residential heights to 30 ft in RS zones and 35 ft in RR zones under LDC Chapter 5. Colorado Springs R-1 6000 caps at 30 ft. Downtown mixed-use allows 175 ft under Form-Based Code. Ridgeline Overlay in foothills adds viewshed limits protecting Pikes Peak views.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (R-1) | 30 feet maximum building height | - |
| Multi-Family | 35-45 feet depending on zone | - |
| Downtown | Greater heights permitted in core areas | - |
| Measurement | Average finished grade to highest roof point | - |
| Exceptions | Chimneys, antennas, mechanical equipment | - |
| CS R-1 | - | 30 ft |
| EPC RS-20000 | - | 35 ft |
| CS Downtown | - | 175 ft form-based |
| Hillside | - | 24 ft on slopes |
| FAA Part 77 | - | Near COS/USAFA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
How tall can I build in a residential zone in Colorado Springs?
In most single-family residential zones (R-1), the maximum building height is 30 feet, measured from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof.
Do chimneys count toward the height limit?
Chimneys, antennas, and rooftop mechanical equipment may extend above the maximum building height with certain conditions specified in the UDC.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Are there special height rules protecting Pikes Peak views?
Yes. The Colorado Springs Hillside Overlay (CSCC §7.3.603) caps structures at 24 ft on slopes over 10% and protects key ridgelines — specifically preserving Pikes Peak viewsheds from Broadmoor, Skyway, and Cheyenne Cañon neighborhoods.
Do I need FAA approval to build near the Air Force Academy?
If your structure penetrates FAA Part 77 surfaces near USAFA or Colorado Springs Airport, yes — file FAA Form 7460-1 at least 45 days before construction. This typically applies to tall structures within 20,000 feet of runways.
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