Arvada Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Arvada Zoning Overview
Arvada is a suburban city in Jefferson and Adams counties, located northwest of Denver along the I-70 and US-36 corridors. The city's zoning code governs land use through a system of residential, commercial, industrial, and planned development districts. Arvada's Olde Town district serves as the city's historic downtown and has been the focus of significant revitalization efforts, particularly since the opening of the RTD G Line commuter rail in 2019. The city blends established suburban neighborhoods with newer transit-oriented development areas and preserved open space.
Arvada's comprehensive plan guides growth toward mixed-use centers and transit corridors while maintaining the character of existing residential neighborhoods. The city has invested in Olde Town redevelopment, Ralston Creek trail connections, and transit station area planning to create walkable, connected communities. Arvada's location between Denver and the foothills gives it a distinctive character that balances urban amenities with proximity to outdoor recreation.
Development services in Arvada are provided by the Community and Economic Development department, which coordinates planning, building, and code enforcement functions.
Key Zoning Districts
Arvada's zoning districts include R-SL (Small Lot), R-LL (Large Lot), and R-MF (Multi-Family) residential districts. Commercial districts include C-N (Neighborhood), C-C (Community), and C-R (Regional). The city has Transit-Oriented Development districts near G Line stations and Planned Development districts for larger master-planned areas.
ADU Regulations
Arvada allows ADUs on residential lots under Colorado HB 24-1152. ADUs are limited to 800 square feet and 20 feet in height. No additional parking is required, and owner-occupancy is not mandated. Permits are reviewed within four to six weeks.
Development Process
Arvada uses a tiered development review process with administrative approvals for by-right projects and Planning Commission hearings for rezonings and conditional uses. Building permits are reviewed by the Building Division. The city offers pre-application meetings and online permitting services.
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
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
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
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Arvada
- 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
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Arvada are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Arvada permit fees →