Aurora Site Plan Requirements | Permits & Zoning Guide

By Site Plan Creator Team •

Everything you need to know about creating a site plan for building permits in Aurora, CO. Covers zoning requirements, setbacks, stormwater management, and submission procedures.

Aurora Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in Aurora, Colorado requires meeting specific requirements set by the Planning and Development Services Department. Aurora spans three counties (Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas) and is governed by the Aurora City Code (Chapter 146 — Zoning). Key considerations include the Fitzsimons/Anschutz Medical Campus development, Buckley Space Force Base compatibility zones, Aurora Reservoir watershed protection, and the city's significant growth along the I-225 / R Line light rail corridor.

Required Site Plan Elements

  • Property boundaries with dimensions and total lot area
  • Setbacks per Chapter 146
  • Existing and proposed structures
  • Lot coverage and impervious surface
  • Parking per City Code
  • Drainage per Aurora Drainage Criteria Manual
  • Military compatibility if near Buckley SFB
  • North arrow, scale, vicinity map
  • County parcel number (Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas)

Aurora Zoning and Setback Requirements

  • R-1 (Single-Family, 9,000 sq ft lot): Front 25 feet, side 5 feet, rear 15 feet. Lot coverage max 35%. Height max 35 feet.
  • R-2 (Single-Family, 6,000 sq ft lot): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet, rear 10 feet. Lot coverage max 45%.
  • R-3 (Two-Family): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet, rear 10 feet. Lot coverage max 50%.
  • R-4/R-5 (Multi-Family): Front 25 feet, side 15 feet, rear 20 feet.
  • MU (Mixed-Use): Variable standards per TOD guidelines near light rail stations.
  • Fitzsimons Overlay: Special standards for the Anschutz Medical Campus area.

Transit-Oriented Development (R Line Corridor)

  • TOD zones: Higher density and mixed-use allowed within 1/2 mile of R Line light rail stations
  • Reduced parking: Lower parking requirements near transit stations
  • Pedestrian design: Enhanced sidewalk, crosswalk, and streetscape standards
  • Build-to lines: Replacing traditional setbacks in TOD areas

Buckley Space Force Base Compatibility

  • Height restrictions: FAA notification and height limits near Buckley SFB airfield
  • Noise zones: Residential restrictions in high-noise contours
  • Safety zones: Limited development density in accident potential zones
  • Notification: Required for development within the military influence area

Drainage and Water Quality

  • Aurora Drainage Criteria Manual: All development must comply
  • Detention: On-site detention for post-development runoff
  • Water quality: BMPs for stormwater quality protection
  • Aurora Reservoir watershed: Enhanced protection measures for properties draining to the city's drinking water supply

How to Submit

Submit through Aurora's online portal at auroragov.org/permits. Walk-in at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

Fees and Timeline

  • Fees: Per fee schedule; includes drainage, parks, transportation, and school impact fees
  • Timeline: Residential 2-4 weeks. Commercial 4-8 weeks.

Creating Your Aurora Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional, permit-ready site plan for your Aurora property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for submission.

ADU Requirements

  • Accessory Dwelling Units: Aurora has adopted ADU regulations allowing secondary dwelling units in residential zones
  • Detached ADU: Allowed in single-family zones with setback and size standards per Chapter 146
  • Internal ADU: Conversion of existing space within the primary dwelling for a secondary unit
  • Parking: One additional off-street space may be required depending on proximity to transit
  • Design standards: ADU must be compatible with the primary structure and neighborhood character

Three-County Jurisdiction Considerations

Aurora's unique position spanning three counties creates practical considerations:

  • Arapahoe County: Majority of Aurora is in Arapahoe County; most city services concentrated here
  • Adams County: Northern Aurora extending into Adams County with its own assessor and property records
  • Douglas County: Southeastern Aurora in Douglas County; check which county for property records and school district assignments
  • School districts: Aurora Gateway, Cherry Creek, and Aurora Public Schools serve different areas of the city
  • Property taxes: Rates vary by county and special district mill levies; verify your county for accurate tax calculations

Sustainability Requirements

  • Aurora Green Building Program: Encourages sustainable construction practices
  • Energy code: Colorado's adopted energy conservation code applies to all new construction
  • EV readiness: New construction may require EV charging infrastructure per Colorado regulations
  • Water conservation: Xeriscape and water-wise landscaping encouraged due to Colorado's semi-arid climate
  • Solar access: Colorado Solar Rights Act protects homeowners' access to solar energy; HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical residential setbacks in Aurora?
R-1 zones (9,000 sq ft lots) have 25-foot front, 5-foot side, 15-foot rear setbacks with 35% lot coverage. R-2 (6,000 sq ft) has 20-foot front and 45% coverage. R-3 two-family allows 50% coverage. TOD zones near light rail use build-to lines.
Which county is my Aurora property in?
Aurora spans Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. Your county determines your parcel number, property taxes, and some services. Check with the city GIS portal to confirm which county your property is in.
What are the Buckley SFB restrictions?
Properties near Buckley Space Force Base face height restrictions, noise zone limitations on residential density, safety zone development limits, and military notification requirements. Check the military influence area map.
What TOD benefits are available?
Properties within 1/2 mile of R Line light rail stations qualify for higher density, reduced parking requirements, and build-to line standards instead of traditional setbacks.
What drainage requirements apply?
Aurora's Drainage Criteria Manual governs all development. On-site detention required. Stormwater quality BMPs required. Enhanced protections for Aurora Reservoir watershed.
What is the Fitzsimons Overlay?
Special development standards for the Anschutz Medical Campus area supporting biomedical research and healthcare facilities. Enhanced design and land use standards apply.
How do I submit?
Submit through auroragov.org/permits. Walk-in at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Residential 2-4 weeks. Commercial 4-8 weeks.
How long does review take?
Residential 2-4 weeks. Commercial 4-8 weeks. Buckley SFB review concurrent. Drainage review concurrent. TOD design review may add time for larger projects.

How to Create a Site Plan in Aurora

  1. Look Up Property: Use Aurora GIS to find zoning, county (Arapahoe/Adams/Douglas), Buckley SFB overlay, TOD zone, flood zone, and lot dimensions. Note your county parcel number.
  2. Determine Constraints: Check Buckley SFB compatibility, TOD applicability, Fitzsimons overlay, drainage watershed, and flood zone status.
  3. Create Site Plan: Enter your Aurora address in Site Plan Creator to load property boundaries and aerial imagery. Add setback lines per Chapter 146.
  4. Include Required Elements: Include boundaries, setbacks, lot coverage, impervious surface, parking, drainage, military overlay, and north arrow with scale.
  5. Prepare Documents: Prepare drainage study per Drainage Criteria Manual. Military notification if in influence area. TOD design materials if applicable.
  6. Submit: Upload through auroragov.org/permits. Pay fees including impact fees.
  7. Obtain Permit: Respond to comments. Once approved, pay remaining fees, receive permit, schedule inspections.