Northglenn Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Northglenn Zoning Overview
Northglenn is a suburban city in Adams County, located along I-25 between Denver and Thornton. Developed primarily in the 1960s and 1970s as a planned community, Northglenn is largely built out and faces the challenges common to first-ring suburbs: aging infrastructure, commercial corridor revitalization, and adapting mid-century housing stock to contemporary needs. The city's zoning code uses traditional residential, commercial, and industrial districts.
Northglenn's comprehensive plan, Northglenn 2032, focuses on revitalization of the city's commercial centers, particularly the former Northglenn Mall site and the Huron Street corridor. The city has been planning for transit-oriented development around the N Line commuter rail station, which opened in 2020, envisioning a new mixed-use center near the station area. Northglenn's Webster Lake and E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park provide significant recreational amenities.
The Planning Division manages zoning, development review, and long-range planning, while building permits are processed through the Building Division.
Key Zoning Districts
Northglenn's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), and R-3 (Multi-Family) residential districts. Commercial districts include C-1 and C-2. The city has established Transit-Oriented Development overlay zones near the N Line station.
ADU Regulations
Northglenn 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. Permits are processed within three to five weeks.
Development Process
Northglenn uses administrative review for by-right projects and Planning Commission hearings for discretionary actions. Building permits are processed by the Building Division, with residential reviews typically completed in three to five weeks.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Northglenn
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
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Northglenn
- 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
- 3-5 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Northglenn are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Northglenn permit fees →