Understanding Zoning and Setbacks

What is a zoning district?

A zoning district is an area established by the Estes Valley Development Code that is governed by a uniform set of regulations found in this Code. These regulations specify the type of development that is permitted in each zoning district, including

• The uses permitted on the property (for example, residential or commercial use);

• The density of development allowed on the property (such as the number of residential homes than can be constructed per acre);

• The building bulk (such as the total size of all commercial buildings on a property); and

• Setbacks (how close buildings can be constructed to property lines, rivers/streams, and wetlands).

The Estes Valley is divided into fifteen zoning districts-- eight residential and seven nonresidential zoning districts.

• View a complete list of residential zoning districts and the principal permitted uses in these districts.

• View a complete list of nonresidential zoning districts and the principal permitted uses in these districts.

Find the current zoning of your property by viewing our online zoning map or by contacting our staff.

What is the purpose of zoning districts?

Generally, zoning districts are established to promote orderly development and to minimize conflicts between incompatible uses of properties. You may wish to view a detailed description of the purpose and intent of the Estes Valley Development Code, which is a unified Code establishing both zoning and subdivision regulations.

What are setbacks?

There are three types of setbacks required for buildings and structures-- property line setbacks, river/stream setbacks, and wetland setbacks. The setback is the distance measured in feet between the furthermost projection of a building or structure and the applicable lot line, river/stream corridor, or delineated edge of a wetland.

The required setbacks from property lines vary by zoning district.

• View a list of setbacks for residential zoning districts.

• View the handout How to Determine Single-Family Residential Setbacks.

• View a list of setbacks for nonresidential zoning districts.

The required setback from mapped streams is thirty (30) feet.

The required setback from rivers is thirty (30) feet if your property was developed prior to February 1, 2000. If you property was developed after that date, the required setback is fifty (50) feet.

The required setback from wetlands is fifty (50) feet.

You may wish to view a list of features allowed within building/structure setbacks.

In some cases, a property may be subject to platted (mapped) building envelopes or setbacks that override the Estes Valley Development Code. Contact a planner to determine the setbacks for your property.

Questions? Contact us.