Centennial Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Centennial Zoning Overview
Centennial is one of Colorado's newest cities, incorporated in 2001 as a primarily residential community in Arapahoe County south of Denver. The city was formed largely to provide local governance and preserve the suburban character of established neighborhoods. Centennial's zoning code, adopted upon incorporation and based largely on former Arapahoe County zoning, establishes traditional residential, commercial, and industrial districts. The city is almost entirely built out, so most development activity involves redevelopment, infill, and renovation rather than greenfield construction.
Centennial's comprehensive plan emphasizes maintaining the quality of its residential neighborhoods while supporting revitalization of aging commercial areas, particularly along Arapahoe Road and Parker Road. The city's light rail access via RTD's E and H Lines connects Centennial to downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center, influencing land use patterns near stations. Centennial is notable for its extensive HOA coverage -- a significant majority of residential properties are within homeowner associations that impose additional development restrictions beyond city zoning.
Community Development handles planning, zoning, and building permit functions. Building permits and inspections are provided through a contract with Arapahoe County or third-party service providers.
Key Zoning Districts
Centennial's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family, 9,000 sq ft lots) through R-4 (High-Density Residential), commercial districts C-1 and C-2, and industrial districts. Planned Development districts cover several master-planned communities. The city has been exploring Mixed Use zoning for certain commercial corridors.
ADU Regulations
Centennial allows ADUs in residential zones 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. Building permits are reviewed within four to six weeks.
Development Process
Centennial's development process includes administrative review for by-right projects and Planning Commission hearings for rezonings and special uses. Building permits are processed through the city's contracted building services provider, typically within four to six weeks for residential projects.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Centennial
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 — Arapahoe 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
- 9,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Centennial
- 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 Centennial are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Centennial permit fees →