Commerce City Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Commerce City Zoning Overview
Commerce City is located in Adams County, north of Denver, and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the Denver metro area. The city's zoning code governs land use through residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Commerce City's land use landscape includes the Prairie Gateway area in the north, which has absorbed significant new residential development, and the older southern neighborhoods near the Suncor Energy refinery and DICK'S Sporting Goods Park (home of the Colorado Rapids). The city's industrial heritage, including oil refining and agriculture, creates unique land use compatibility challenges.
Commerce City's comprehensive plan, C3 Vision, addresses the city's transition from a primarily industrial community to a more diverse, livable city with quality residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial amenities. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a 15,000-acre former weapons manufacturing site converted to a nature preserve, borders the city and influences surrounding land use.
Community Development oversees planning, zoning, and building services for the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Commerce City's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), and R-3/R-4 (Multi-Family) residential districts. Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). Industrial districts accommodate the city's manufacturing and logistics uses.
ADU Regulations
Commerce City permits 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. Permits are processed within three to six weeks.
Development Process
Commerce City uses administrative review for by-right projects and Planning Commission hearings for discretionary actions. Building permits are reviewed by the Building Division.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Commerce City
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 — Adams 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
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Commerce City
- 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
- 3-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Commerce City are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Commerce City permit fees →