Zoning Report
Aurora, CO Zoning
Aurora regulates land use through a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that combines zoning and subdivision rules. The city’s online code states the UDO became effective on Sept. 21, 2019 and is current through Ordinance 2026-03, passed February 23, 2026. Based on the materials provided, Aurora uses a formal entitlement structure with Planning and Zoning Commission review for many development matters, City Council review for legislative changes such as rezonings and code amendments, and a separate Board of Adjustment & Appeals process for certain residential variances.
Last researched May 2026
Zoning Districts in Aurora, CO
MU-TOD
A mixed-use transit-oriented district referenced in the dimensional standards section. Station Area Plans help determine adjusted area for residential density calculations in this district.
Recent Zoning Changes
Aurora’s UDO online publication states the code is current through Ordinance 2026-03, passed February 23, 2026. The provided source set does not describe the substance of Ordinance 2026-03 or any other specific adopted or pending zoning amendments, so recent change details are limited.
Setbacks, Lot Size & Height Limits in Aurora, CO
The provided dimensional source is explanatory rather than the full district standards table, so only general dimensional rules can be stated confidently. Aurora requires setback areas to remain unobstructed except for specified exceptions, applies height limits from zone district standards unless another code exception applies, excludes floodplain and publicly owned land from adjusted area for residential density calculations, and notes that maximum listed densities are not guaranteed to be achievable on a specific site.
| District | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| All districts | required setback areas | unobstructed from the ground upward — Except for fences, landscaping, and other specific building features allowed as exceptions in Section 146-4.2.4 or elsewhere in the UDO. |
| All districts | height limits | as described in the zone district standards — May be modified only where exceptions in Section 146-4.2.4 apply. |
| All residential density calculations | adjusted area excludes floodplain areas | floodplain areas excluded — Adjusted area also excludes existing publicly owned land. |
| MU-TOD | adjusted area for residential density | determined by Station Area Plans — Specific numeric density controls were not provided in the source set. |
| All districts | maximum residential density | not guaranteed to be achievable — Code notes that site shape, topography, geology, environmentally sensitive areas, and utility easements may reduce achievable density. |
ADU, Rental & Special Use Rules in Aurora, CO
Cannabis / marijuana-related uses
Aurora maintains planning and zoning maps specifically labeled for marijuana industrial zoning and marijuana store zoning.
- Exact locational eligibility must be verified using the city’s marijuana zoning maps.
- The provided source set does not include operational standards, separation rules, permit type, or district permissions.
Overlay Districts in Aurora, CO
Floodplain / Flood Hazard Mapping
Aurora provides public flood hazard information and references mapped floodplain conditions as a development constraint.
Parking Requirements in Aurora, CO
- All uses in all districtsmust conform with parking supply requirements of Section 146-4.6 and Table 4.6-1
- Existing uses or structures in Subarea Aadditional parking required when gross floor area expands by more than 25 percent
- Existing uses or structures in Subareas B and Cadditional parking required when gross floor area expands by more than 15 percent
- Change of use in Subarea Aadditional parking required when the change results in an increase in required parking of more than 25 percent
- Change of use in Subareas B and Cadditional parking required when the change results in an increase in required parking of more than 15 percent
- Multi-tenant commercial, mixed-use, or industrial building larger than 50,000 square feetSubsection C.1 parking trigger does not apply to change of use unless Planning Director determines likely significant increase in on-street parking
- Residential guest parkingmay be provided on residential driveway, along public street frontage directly abutting the lot, or within 200 feet of the unit entrance on certain private facilities
Aurora, CO Zoning FAQ
What are the setback requirements in Aurora, CO?
Setbacks vary by district. Examples — All districts: unobstructed from the ground upward. Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with Aurora, CO.
How tall can buildings be in Aurora, CO?
Height limits are set per district — All districts: as described in the zone district standards.
What are the parking requirements in Aurora, CO?
Parking minimums vary by use — All uses in all districts: must conform with parking supply requirements of Section 146-4.6 and Table 4.6-1; Existing uses or structures in Subarea A: additional parking required when gross floor area expands by more than 25 percent; Existing uses or structures in Subareas B and C: additional parking required when gross floor area expands by more than 15 percent; Change of use in Subarea A: additional parking required when the change results in an increase in required parking of more than 25 percent.
What zoning districts are in Aurora, CO?
Aurora, CO includes districts such as MU-TOD.
Are there flood zones or overlay districts in Aurora, CO?
Floodplain is the clearest environmental constraint identified in the provided source set. Aurora’s UDO excludes floodplain areas from adjusted area for residential density calculations, and the city maintains public flood hazard information to help property owners understand mapped risk.
Have there been recent zoning changes in Aurora, CO?
Aurora’s UDO online publication states the code is current through Ordinance 2026-03, passed February 23, 2026. The provided source set does not describe the substance of Ordinance 2026-03 or any other specific adopted or pending zoning amendments, so recent change details are limited.
Common questions about Aurora, CO zoning
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Deal-fit, approval path & risk flags for Aurora, CO
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- Aurora Unified Development Ordinance — Established that Aurora regulates through a UDO and that the online code is current through Ordinance 2026-03, passed February 23, 2026.
- Building & Zoning Code - City of Aurora — Confirmed the UDO became effective Sept. 21, 2019 and serves as Aurora’s zoning and subdivision code.
- 4.2 Dimensional Standards | Aurora Unified Development Ordinance — Provided general dimensional and density calculation rules, including unobstructed setbacks, floodplain exclusions, MU-TOD station area references, and caveats on maximum density.
- 4.6 Parking, Loading, and Stacking | Aurora Unified Development Ordinance — Provided broad parking applicability, redevelopment parking triggers, parking location rules, and residential guest parking options.
- Forms and Applications - City of Aurora — Confirmed Aurora maintains formal development application materials and noted some site plan changes may require a development application.
- Planning Site Plan Review - City of Aurora — Confirmed existence of a formal planning site plan review pathway, though detailed procedures were not captured in the provided text.
- Planning & Zoning Commission - City of Aurora — Confirmed the regular meeting schedule for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Planning and Zoning Commission - April 22, 2026, Regular Meeting - YouTube — Provided detailed hearing procedures, commission role, public testimony format, and clarification that some decisions are final while legislative actions go to City Council.
- Board of Adjustment & Appeals - City of Aurora — Confirmed BOA meeting schedule and existence of a formal variance forum.
- Application to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals — Provided residential variance scope, prohibition on use variances, public hearing requirement, notification rules, fee, and typical 5-8 week timing.
- Know Your Flood Hazard - City of Aurora — Confirmed flood hazard is a mapped development consideration that property owners should verify.
- Planning and Zoning Maps - City of Aurora — Confirmed the city maintains zoning property information maps, active development maps, and specialized marijuana zoning maps.
This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Aurora, CO officials before making decisions.