Understanding Zoning and Setbacks
What is a zoning district?
A zoning district is an area established by the Estes Valley
Development Code that is governed by a uniform set of regulations found in
this Code. These regulations specify the type of development that is permitted
in each zoning district, including
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The uses permitted on the property (for example, residential
or commercial use);
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The density of development allowed on the property (such as
the number of residential homes than can be constructed per acre);
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The building bulk (such as the total size of all commercial
buildings on a property); and
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Setbacks (how close buildings can be constructed to property
lines, rivers/streams, and wetlands).
The Estes Valley is divided into
fifteen zoning districts-- eight residential and seven nonresidential zoning
districts.
Find the current zoning of your property by viewing our online zoning
map or by contacting our staff.
What is the purpose of zoning districts?
Generally, zoning districts are established to promote orderly
development and to minimize conflicts between incompatible uses of properties.
You may wish to view a detailed description of the purpose and intent of the
Estes Valley Development Code, which is a unified Code establishing both zoning
and subdivision regulations.
What are setbacks?
There are three types of setbacks required for buildings and
structures-- property line setbacks, river/stream setbacks, and wetland
setbacks. The setback is the distance measured in feet between the furthermost
projection of a building or structure and the applicable lot line, river/stream
corridor, or delineated edge of a wetland.
The required setbacks from property lines vary by zoning
district.
The required setback from mapped streams is thirty (30) feet.
The required setback from rivers is thirty (30) feet if
your property was developed prior to February 1, 2000. If you property was
developed after that date, the required setback is fifty (50) feet.
The required setback from wetlands is fifty (50) feet.
You may wish to view a list of features allowed within
building/structure setbacks.
In some cases, a property may be subject to platted (mapped)
building envelopes or setbacks that override the Estes Valley Development Code. Contact
a planner to determine the setbacks for your property.
Questions? Contact us.
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