Westminster Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Westminster
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Westminster — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Westminster Municipal Code Title XI — Land Development Code
Westminster's zoning and land development regulations are codified in Title XI of the Westminster Municipal Code (Land Development and Growth Procedures), administered by the Community Development Department. Chapter 4 (Zoning) sets out residential, business, and special-planned-development (SPD) districts; accessory buildings and ADUs are addressed in Section 11-4-13.
Source · library.municode.comHB24-1152 statewide ADU mandate — Westminster is a Subject Jurisdiction(2024)
Colorado HB24-1152 (signed May 13, 2024) lists Westminster among the Front Range Subject Jurisdictions required by June 30, 2025 to allow one ADU on any single-unit detached residential lot through administrative approval, without owner-occupancy or additional parking requirements. Local rules and HOA bans that conflict with the law are void within Subject Jurisdictions.
Source · leg.colorado.govWestminster Station / Downtown TOD — HB24-1313 context(2024)
The City of Westminster has used Special Planned Districts (SPDs) to enable high-density transit-oriented development around the RTD Westminster Station (B Line) and the new Downtown Westminster district built on the former Westminster Mall site. Under HB24-1313, Westminster qualifies as a Transit-Oriented Community and must designate Transit Centers permitting at least 15 dwelling units per acre by the end of 2027.
Source · leg.colorado.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Westminster
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Colorado
- Building Code: 2021 IBC (locally adopted)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Colorado HB 24-1152 (signed May 13, 2024, effective June 30, 2025) — requires subject jurisdictions to allow at least one ADU on single-unit detached lots; prohibits parking minimums and owner-occupancy requirements.)
County — Adams County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- 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
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 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 Westminster
- 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
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Westminster permit information →Official Sources
City-specific