Westminster Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Westminster Zoning Overview
Westminster is a suburban city spanning Adams and Jefferson counties, positioned between Denver and Boulder along the US-36 corridor. The city has focused significant planning effort on the Westminster Station area, a 120-acre transit-oriented development district surrounding the B Line commuter rail station that aims to create a new downtown center for the city. Westminster's zoning code establishes traditional residential, commercial, and industrial districts while increasingly incorporating mixed-use and transit-oriented categories.
Westminster's comprehensive plan envisions transformation from a primarily suburban community into a more urbanized city with multiple activity centers connected by transit and trails. The city's Downtown Westminster project represents one of the largest urban redevelopment initiatives in the Denver metro area. Westminster also maintains significant open space and park lands, with a strong commitment to the preservation of natural areas within and around the city.
The Community Development Department oversees planning and building services in Westminster, processing development applications and building permits through both administrative and public hearing processes.
Key Zoning Districts
Westminster's zoning includes R-1 through R-4 residential districts at increasing densities, commercial districts (C-1 and C-2), and industrial districts. The city has established Transit-Oriented Development and Mixed Use districts around commuter rail stations. Planned Unit Development districts are used for larger master-planned communities.
ADU Regulations
Westminster permits ADUs in residential zones under Colorado HB 24-1152. ADUs may be up to 800 square feet and 20 feet tall. No additional parking is required, and owner-occupancy is not mandated. Permits are processed within four to six weeks.
Development Process
Westminster's development review includes pre-application conferences, administrative review for by-right development, and Planning Commission hearings for discretionary actions. Building permits are processed by the Building Division. The city offers online permitting through its development services portal.
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 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
- 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
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Westminster are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Westminster permit fees →