Residential Areas

Residential areas are designated for single and multiple family housing, typically at urban densities of one dwelling per half acre or greater. These areas are intended to provide for development of residential neighborhoods with a variety of housing types, with adequate urban services and transportation facilities. Urban residential areas may include supporting neighborhood commercial uses designed to serve the needs of nearby residents.

Estate Residential

Estate Residential areas are designated for single family housing at a lower densities, typically no greater than 1 unit per 2 ½ acres and compatible uses such as schools and parks. Under certain circumstances, net densities for Estate Residential areas may be as low as one unit per acre, provided that development is clustered so as to preserve a significant amount of open space.

In general, Estate Residential areas are intended to meet some of the demand for rural lifestyles in the County. Estate Residential projects typically should be located in areas that will limit the negative fiscal impact on the County and other service providers. For this reason, Estate Residential development should only be located in specified areas, as designated on the Land Use Map (unless such development may be extended in accordance with criteria stated elsewhere in this Plan).

Agricultural Land Uses

Agricultural land uses include farming, grazing, agricultural production industries, and very low density residential.

Agriculture

The areas that have been identified as agricultural are those that are not expected to develop, except for limited areas of very low density residential at densities of 1 dwelling per 35 acres, for the foreseeable future. These areas are typically characterized by a lack of urban services

Agricultural Districts

1. A-3: Land in this District is primarily in holdings of at least 35 acres for dryland or irrigated farming, pasturage, or other related food production uses.

2. A-2: Land in this District is for rural subdivisions of at least 10 acres in size where adequate provisions are made for internal and external roads and access, water and sewer facilities, for fire protection and other emergency services, and for other public services and utilities. Farming uses are permitted, including the cultivation of land and the keeping of a limited amount of animals.

3. A-1: Exclusively a rural single family dwelling District where the minimum lot area for a homesite is dependent on the availability of public water and sewer facilities, and other necessary utilities and services. Limited farming uses are permitted including the cultivation of land and the keeping of a limited amount of animals for individual homeowners use.

Additional Information

Adams County’s Comprehensive Plan provides goals, policies, and a future land use plan for guiding the physical development of the County. The Plan will be used to assist the Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and staff as decisions are made regarding land use applications, capital improvement planning, and regional coordination efforts with other jurisdictions and agencies.

For more information please visit http://www.adcogov.org/

Department of Planning & Development
4430 S. Adams County Pkwy
First Floor, Ste. W2000A
Brighton, CO  80601