Parker Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Parker Zoning Overview
Parker is a town in Douglas County, located southeast of Denver along the E-470 corridor. The town has experienced rapid residential growth, transforming from a small rural community into a suburban town of approximately 58,000 residents. Parker's zoning code establishes residential, commercial, and open space districts that manage growth while preserving the town's semi-rural character. Most residential development in Parker consists of master-planned communities with extensive HOA governance, meaning that private restrictions often exceed public zoning standards.
Parker's comprehensive plan, Parker 2035, addresses growth management, downtown revitalization, and preservation of the Cherry Creek corridor and other natural features. The town's Mainstreet district has been the focus of placemaking efforts to create a walkable town center. Water supply from non-renewable Denver Basin aquifers is a key planning consideration, similar to other Douglas County communities.
Development Services handles planning, zoning, and building permits for the town.
Key Zoning Districts
Parker's zoning includes RE (Residential Estate), RS (Residential Single-Family), and RM (Multi-Family) residential districts. Commercial districts include NC (Neighborhood Commercial) and CC (Community Commercial). Most newer subdivisions operate under Planned Development zoning.
ADU Regulations
Parker 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. Building permits are processed within four to six weeks.
Development Process
Parker's development review includes pre-application meetings, administrative review for by-right projects, and Planning Commission hearings for major applications. Building permits are processed by the Building Division.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Parker
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 — Douglas 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
- 2.5 acres
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 50 ft
- Side Setback
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 35 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 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 Parker
- 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 Parker are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Parker permit fees →