Building Setbacks & Zoning in Jefferson County, CO (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the Residential-One (R-1) district, the primary-structure front setback is 30 feet, side setbacks are 5 feet minimum with 15 feet total, and side setbacks adjacent to a local or collector street are 20 feet (30 feet at an arterial). Setbacks vary by zone district.
Building Setbacks in Unincorporated Jefferson County
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution, Section 30.E (R-1 Lot and Building Standards)
Each side setback must be a minimum of 5 feet, and both side setbacks added together must equal 15 feet or more.
Structure Height Limits
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.
Building Height Limits by Zone District
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution, Section 2.L.2 (Height Regulation)
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.
Lot Coverage Limits
Jefferson County residential districts do not set a maximum lot-coverage percentage. Instead, minimum lot size plus setbacks and height control how much you can build. R-1 requires 12,500 s.f. for a single-family dwelling; R-1B is 9,000 s.f.; R-2 is 7,500 s.f. (4,500 for two-family).
Lot Size and Coverage Standards in Jeffco
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution, Section 30.E (Lot Size table)
Lot Size — Single-Family Dwelling: R-1 and R-1A: 12,500 s.f.; R-1B and R-1C: 9,000 s.f.; R-2: 7,500 s.f.; and 4,500 s.f. two-family / multi-family minimums.
Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Jefferson County
2 cities in Jefferson County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Jefferson County ordinances
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