Building Setbacks & Zoning in Boulder County, CO (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Boulder County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In unincorporated Boulder County, setbacks are set by the Land Use Code Article 4 zoning table. For example, Agricultural (A) requires 35' front, 7' side, 15' rear; Suburban Residential (SR) requires 25' front, 7' side, 15' rear. Setbacks vary by district and road.
Building Setback Requirements by Zoning District
Some RestrictionsBoulder County Land Use Code § 7-1402, Supplementary Requirements for Yards
Cornices, canopies, eaves or similar architectural features may extend two feet into a required yard. Fire escapes may extend six feet into a required rear yard.
Structure Height Limits
In unincorporated Boulder County, residential structures on land platted before August 29, 1994 may reach 35 feet; on other land the maximum is 30 feet, and in no event may any residential structure exceed 35 feet. Some districts allow up to 50 feet for non-residential uses.
Maximum Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsBoulder County Land Use Code § 4-101.F.4 (Maximum building height)
On any other land, 30 feet unless, through a subdivided land approval or Site Plan Review approval, a lower or higher height is permitted due to the unique characteristics of the particular site; in no event, however, shall any residential structure exceed 35 feet.
Lot Coverage Limits
Rather than a flat lot-coverage percentage, unincorporated Boulder County caps Residential Floor Area per parcel, generally the larger of the neighborhood median or a set square-footage bonus over existing floor area, plus minimum lot sizes per zoning district (e.g., 35 acres in Agricultural).
Lot Coverage and Residential Floor Area Limits
Some RestrictionsBoulder County Land Use Code § 4-101.E (Maximum Residential Floor Area)
Unless otherwise specified in subsections (ii) through (vi), the maximum Residential Floor Area for a Parcel shall be the larger of either the median Residential Floor Area of the defined Neighborhood or: (A) An additional 1,000 square feet over the existing Residential Floor Area on the Parcel as of May 13, 2025, on a Parcel with 1,500 square feet or less of Residential Floor Area.
Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Boulder County
2 cities in Boulder County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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