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Arvada Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Arvada Community and Economic Development(720) 898-7000
Building Code Edition
2021 IBC with Arvada Amendments
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-SL Residential Small Lot
Max Height
30 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Arvada

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Colorado

  • Building Code: 2021 IBC (locally adopted)
View Colorado zoning overview

County — Jefferson County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

District CodeNameMin LotMax HeightFront SetbackSide SetbackRear SetbackFAR
R-SLResidential Small Lot6,000 sq ft30 ft20 ft5 ft20 ft
R-MFResidential Multi-Family6,000 sq ft45 ft25 ft10 ft20 ft
C-NCommercial NeighborhoodNone35 ft10 ft0 ft10 ft

ADU Rules in Arvada

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
800 sq ft
Max Height
20 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Parking
No additional parking required
Owner Occupancy
Not required
Permit Timeline
4-6 weeks
Full ADU rules for Arvada

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Arvada?
Yes. Arvada permits ADUs on residential lots, consistent with Colorado HB 24-1152. A building permit is required.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Arvada?
Use the online zoning map on the Arvada Community and Economic Development website, or call (720) 898-7000.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Arvada?
Multi-family housing is allowed in R-MF zones, Mixed Use districts, and Transit-Oriented Development areas near the G Line commuter rail stations.