Zoning Report
Colorado Springs, CO Zoning
Colorado Springs regulates land use through a Unified Development Code (UDC) in Chapter 7 of the City Code. The city adopted a major zoning rewrite through the RetoolCOS project, with the new UDC effective June 5, 2023. The available sources show a citywide framework of base zoning districts plus overlay districts, with development review handled through a mix of administrative review, Planning Commission hearings, and City Council actions depending on application type.
Last researched May 2026
Zoning Districts in Colorado Springs, CO
A Agriculture
Lowest-density residential/agricultural district with very large-lot single-family development.
Allowed uses: single-family detached dwelling
R-E Single-Family Estate
Large-lot single-family residential district.
Allowed uses: single-family detached dwelling
R1-9 Single-Family Large
Single-family district for larger suburban lots.
Allowed uses: single-family detached dwelling
R1-6 Single-Family Medium
Standard single-family residential district with smaller minimum lots than R1-9.
Allowed uses: single-family detached dwelling
R-2 Two-Family
Residential district allowing somewhat higher intensity housing than single-family districts.
Allowed uses: two-family residential
R-4 Multi-Family Low
Lower-intensity multifamily residential district.
Allowed uses: multifamily residential
R-5 Multi-Family High
Higher-intensity multifamily residential district.
Allowed uses: multifamily residential
R-Flex Low
Flexible residential district allowing more compact housing patterns.
Allowed uses: residential uses, limited non-residential uses
R-Flex Medium
Medium-density flexible residential district.
Allowed uses: residential uses, limited non-residential uses
R-Flex High
Highest-intensity flexible residential district listed in the city summary.
Allowed uses: single-family residential, multifamily residential, limited non-residential uses
OR Office Residential
Mixed-use district intended for office and residential uses.
MX-N Mixed Use Neighborhood
Neighborhood-scale mixed-use district permitting residential and commercial uses.
MX-T Mixed Use Transition
Mixed-use district intended to transition between lower- and higher-intensity areas.
MX-M Mixed Use Medium Scale
Medium-scale mixed-use district for more intensive residential and commercial activity.
MX-L Mixed Use Large Scale
Larger-scale mixed-use district.
MX-I Mixed Use Institutional
Mixed-use district that includes institutional settings.
BP Business Park
Lowest-intensity industrial/business park district.
LI Light Industrial
Light industrial district.
GI General Industrial
Most intensive industrial district listed by the city.
Recent Zoning Changes
Colorado Springs recently modernized its zoning through the RetoolCOS effort, with the new Unified Development Code approved on February 14, 2023 and effective June 5, 2023. The most specific recent use-related change in the provided sources is the April 8, 2025 ADU ordinance, which repealed older ADU and Accessory Family Suite rules and replaced them with citywide streamlined ADU standards.
Setbacks, Lot Size & Height Limits in Colorado Springs, CO
The strongest dimensional data in the provided research is for residential districts, using the city's residential dimensional standards PDF and references to UDC Article 4. Standards vary considerably by district, with larger-lot single-family standards in A, R-E, R1-9, and R1-6, and more flexible density-based standards in R-Flex districts.
| District | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A | minimum lot area | 5 acres per SFD |
| A | minimum lot width | 200 ft |
| A | minimum front setback | 25 ft |
| A | minimum interior side setback | 10 ft |
| A | minimum rear setback | 35 ft |
| R-E | minimum lot area | 20,000 sf |
| R-E | maximum lot coverage | 30% |
| R-E | house front setback | 25 ft |
| R-E | garage setback from BOW | 20 ft |
| R-E | interior side setback | 10 ft |
| R-E | rear setback | 25 ft |
| R1-9 | minimum lot area | 9,000 sf |
| R1-9 | maximum lot coverage | 35% |
| R1-9 | house front setback | 25 ft |
| R1-9 | interior side setback | 5 ft; 15 ft combined both sides |
| R1-6 | minimum lot area | 6,000 sf |
| R1-6 | maximum lot coverage | 40% |
| R1-6 | house front setback | 15 ft or average of adjacent properties facing the same street frontage, whichever is greater |
| R1-6 | interior side setback | 5 ft |
| R-2 | minimum lot area | 3,500 sf - 7,000 sf dependent on the residential DU type * — Dependent on dwelling-unit type per city table. |
| R-2 | maximum lot coverage | 40% |
| R-2 | maximum residential density | 8 DU/acre* — Asterisk noted in city table. |
| R-2 | house front setback | 10 ft or average of two adjacent or nearest developed properties facing the same street frontage, whichever is greater |
| R-4 | maximum residential density | 25 DU/acre |
| R-4 | maximum lot coverage | 45% |
| R-5 | maximum lot coverage | 50% |
| R-Flex Low | minimum lot area | Res - 2,000 s/f/DU Non-Res - N/A |
| R-Flex Low | maximum residential density | Up to 6 DU/acre |
| R-Flex Medium | minimum lot area | Res - 1,500 s/f/DU Non-Res - N/A |
| R-Flex Medium | maximum residential density | 5 - 16 DU/acre |
| R-Flex High | minimum lot area | SF Res - 1,000 s/f/DU MF Res and Non-Res - N/A |
| R-Flex High | maximum residential density | Res - 15-30 DU/acre Non-res - N/A |
| ADU citywide | maximum size | 50% of the primary structure or 1,250 sq. ft., whichever is less — If the primary structure is less than 1,500 sq. ft., the ADU may be 750 sq. ft. |
| ADU citywide | minimum rear setback for detached ADU | five (5) foot rear — Front and side setbacks are the same as the principal building. |
| ADU citywide | maximum height for detached ADU | sixteen (16) feet — Garages converted to a detached ADU shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet. |
ADU, Rental & Special Use Rules in Colorado Springs, CO
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
One ADU is allowed on a lot with a single-family detached dwelling. Attached, integrated, and detached ADUs are generally allowed in all zone districts, but the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay only allows integrated ADUs.
- One (1) ADU per lot developed with a single-family residence
- Detached, integrated and attached ADUs are permitted in all zone districts
- In the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay (WUI-O) district, detached and attached ADUs are not allowed; integrated ADUs may be constructed
- Limited to 50% of the primary structure or 1,250 sq. ft., whichever is less
- If the primary structure is less than 1,500 sq. ft., the ADU may be 750 sq. ft.
Overlay Districts in Colorado Springs, CO
Streamside Overlay
Applies to intermittent and perennial stream areas that provide wildlife habitat, riparian vegetation, water quality protection, flood protection, open space, and trail opportunities.
Hillside Overlay
Applies to areas with significant natural features such as ridgelines, bluffs, rock outcroppings, vegetation, drainage ways, wildlife habitat, geologic conditions, and slopes.
Historic Preservation Overlay
Protects areas identified as historic resources and adds historic review requirements.
Planned Provisional Overlay
Also referred to as conditions of record; used where the base district alone does not adequately address unique site relationships or circumstances.
High Rise Overlay
Allows high-rise buildings under special height, floor area, and bulk limitations, usually near downtown.
Airport Overlay
Implements FAA-related protections around the airport for safety and unobstructed airspace.
Design Flexibility Overlay
Provides design flexibility while requiring compatibility with the base zone and surrounding area.
Parking Requirements in Colorado Springs, CO
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)One (1) off-street parking space
Colorado Springs, CO Zoning FAQ
Are ADUs allowed in Colorado Springs, CO?
One ADU is allowed on a lot with a single-family detached dwelling. Attached, integrated, and detached ADUs are generally allowed in all zone districts, but the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay only allows integrated ADUs.
What are the setback requirements in Colorado Springs, CO?
Setbacks vary by district. Examples — A: 25 ft; A: 10 ft; A: 35 ft; R-E: 25 ft. Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with Colorado Springs, CO.
What is the minimum lot size in Colorado Springs, CO?
Minimum lot size depends on the zoning district — A: 5 acres per SFD; A: 200 ft; R-E: 20,000 sf; R1-9: 9,000 sf.
How tall can buildings be in Colorado Springs, CO?
Height limits are set per district — ADU citywide: sixteen (16) feet.
What are the parking requirements in Colorado Springs, CO?
Parking minimums vary by use — Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): One (1) off-street parking space.
What zoning districts are in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs, CO includes districts such as A Agriculture, R-E Single-Family Estate, R1-9 Single-Family Large, R1-6 Single-Family Medium, R-2 Two-Family, R-4 Multi-Family Low, R-5 Multi-Family High, R-Flex Low.
Are there flood zones or overlay districts in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs zoning and development review clearly incorporate several environmental and hazard constraints, especially streamside, hillside, floodplain, stormwater, grading/erosion, and geological hazards.
Have there been recent zoning changes in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs recently modernized its zoning through the RetoolCOS effort, with the new Unified Development Code approved on February 14, 2023 and effective June 5, 2023.
Common questions about Colorado Springs, CO zoning
Zoning Guides
- How to Check Zoning Before You Buy→
- Zoning Due Diligence Checklist→
- ADU Zoning Laws Explained→
- Variance vs. Special Use Permit→
- Zoning Red Flags Investors Miss→
- What Is a Nonconforming Use?→
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Deal-fit, approval path & risk flags for Colorado Springs, CO
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- CITY CODE of COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO — Confirmed current code framework, Chapter 7 UDC structure, code currency note, and reference paths to zoning articles.
- Zoning and Standards | City of Colorado Springs — Provided plain-English summary of district families, listed residential, mixed-use, and industrial districts, and directed to SpringsView and district resources.
- RetoolCOS - Zoning Ordinance Update | City of Colorado Springs — Documented the major code rewrite timeline and confirmed the new UDC approval and effective dates.
- Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Colorado Springs — Provided detailed adopted 2025 ADU standards including allowability, size, setbacks, height, parking, access, WUI restrictions, and permit path.
- Types of Development Applications and their Review Process | City of Colorado Springs — Provided review pathways, hearing bodies, appeal period, and indicative timelines for zone changes, annexations, conditional uses, and related applications.
- Applications, Forms and Permits | City of Colorado Springs — Confirmed available application types, appeal forms, and submission materials used in the city's development review system.
- Public Hearing Guidelines | City of Colorado Springs — Clarified quasi-judicial versus legislative hearing types and identified application types commonly heard at public hearings.
- Planning Commission | City of Colorado Springs — Provided Planning Commission role, meeting schedule, roster, and links to agendas and minutes.
- Overlay Districts | City of Colorado Springs — Identified named overlay districts and summarized their purposes and practical restrictions.
- 7.4.201: GENERAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS: — Confirmed Article 4 structure and references to dimensional standards, hazards, floodplain, landscaping, parking, lighting, and signs.
- Residential Zone Districts Dimensional Standards — Provided specific residential lot area, width, coverage, setbacks, and density standards used in the dimensional section.
- VARIANCES AND ADJUSTMENTS — Confirmed there is a dedicated UDC procedure section for variances and adjustments, though detailed text was not present in the excerpt.
This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Colorado Springs, CO officials before making decisions.