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BOULDER SERVICES
Landscaping in Boulder
Licensed landscaping services for Boulder and Boulder County. Outdoor spaces that inspire.
What Boulder requires
Exempt work (no permit required, though work must still comply with all applicab: The complete list is referenced in Boulder Revised Code (B.R.C.) 1981, Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5-2 (Adoption of International Building Code with Modifications, including exemptions in section J). §10-5-2
See full local requirements ↓- Full Design Lifecycle
- Construction & Tenant Finish
- Smart Home · A/V · Edge Compute
Outdoor spaces that inspire
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EVERY PROJECT STARTS WITH DESIGN
Local Service
Landscaping Services in Boulder, Colorado
Autotelic provides professional landscaping services throughout Boulder and the surrounding Boulder County area. Full landscape design and installation including hardscape, softscape, irrigation, and landscape lighting. Whether you're in Boulder (home to CU Boulder) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.
The build sequence for a Landscaping project
Every project starts with a feasibility study; this trade is priced from the same assemblies.
Permit Thresholds
Boulder permit thresholds
- Exempt work (no permit required, though work must still comply with all applicab
- The complete list is referenced in Boulder Revised Code (B.R.C.) 1981, Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5-2 (Adoption of International Building Code with Modifications, including exemptions in section J).§10-5-2
- Code reference
- Minor drywall repairs (<1 sheet or 32 sq ft).
- Code reference
- One-story accessory sheds (≤120 sq ft, ≤10 ft high, no utilities/electrical/mechanical/plumbing).
- Code reference
- Fences ≤7 ft high.
- Code reference
- Flatwork (private sidewalks, patios, driveways) ≤30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route.
- Code reference
- Playground equipment accessory to 1- or 2-family dwellings.
- Code reference
- Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to 1- or 2-family dwellings (<24 inches deep, ≤5,000 gallons).
- Code reference
- Retaining walls ≤3 ft high (measured from footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain flammables.
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **City of Boulder Planning and Development Services (P&DS; specifically its Building Permits and Inspections section) issues residential building permits for properties within Boulder city limits.
Energy Code
Boulder energy code quick facts
- Code reference
- 2024 City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code (CoBECC), effective December 1, 2024 (based on the 2024 ICC suite of codes with local amendments; all-electric requirements for new construction, additions, and major alterations).
- Code reference
- This applies to the City of Boulder (not unincorporated Boulder County, which follows the 2021 IECC with amendments effective July 1, 2026).
- Code reference
- The code emphasizes performance paths (e.g., ERI/HERS targets) for most projects but retains prescriptive options for smaller additions/remodels (≤1,000 sf for residential).
- Code reference
- Boulder is in Climate Zone 5B.
- Code reference
- Prescriptive requirements align closely with or reference 2024 IECC Table R402.1.2 (and related sections R401–R404, R407–R408) unless locally amended; projects often use performance paths due to stringency.
- Code reference
- Key prescriptive requirements relevant to remodels/additions (from CoBECC/2024 IECC Table R402.1.2 and related sections for CZ 5B; cite the adopting code section or CoBECC equivalent):
- Ceiling/attic insulation
- R-49 minimum (R402.1.2 / CoBECC Chapter 4 RE).
- Wood-frame above-grade walls
- R-20 + R-5 continuous insulation (ci), or R-13 + R-10 ci, or R-20 ci (R402.1.2 / CoBECC Chapter 4 RE).
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **City of Boulder Planning and Development Services (P&DS; specifically its Building Permits and Inspections section) issues residential building permits for properties within Boulder city limits.
Zoning & Dimensional Standards
Setback & dimensional standards in Boulder
Zone-district dimensional standards for Boulder, quoted verbatim from the Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024). Knowing your lot's district — and its setbacks, height, and coverage limits — is where every feasibility conversation starts.
Asetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 25' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) A setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BCsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BC setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BCSsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 10' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BCS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BMSsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above |
| Rear Setback (min) | 0' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BMS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BRsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BR setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BT-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BT-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
BT-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BT-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
DT-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
DT-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
DT-3setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
DT-4setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
DT-5setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-5 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
IGsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IG setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
IMsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IM setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
IMSsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 10' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IMS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
IS-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IS-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
IS-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 12' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 15' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35'; 40' (in I-zones) |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IS-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
MHsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | See section 9-7-13 |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | See section 9-7-13 |
| Rear Setback (min) | See section 9-7-13 |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MH setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
MU-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' or 5' (b) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 10' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
MU-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 10' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
MU-3setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
MU-4setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 0' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above |
| Rear Setback (min) | 0' |
| Building Height (max) | 38' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
Psetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) P setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
REsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 25' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RE setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 3' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-3setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 1' per 3' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 40' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-4setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-5setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-5 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-6setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 3' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-6 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RH-7setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 1' per 3' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 40' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-7 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RL-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RL-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RL-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 10' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RL-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RM-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 20' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 10' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RM-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RM-3setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' or 3' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RMX-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 12.5' (k) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RMX-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RMX-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 0' (attached DUs); 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (detached DUs) (i) |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 0' (attached DUs); 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (detached DUs) (i) |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RMX-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RR-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 15' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 25' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RR-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
RR-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25' (k) |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10' |
| Side Setback Abutting Street (min) | 25' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25' |
| Building Height (max) | 35' |
Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RR-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code
Verify current requirements with the jurisdiction — informational reference only. Standards vary by overlay, lot, and use; we confirm the exact rules for your property during feasibility.
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What landscaping work covers in the Denver metro
Landscaping in the Denver metro commonly includes grading and drainage, sod or xeriscape planting, trees and shrubs suited to Front Range conditions, hardscape such as patios and walkways, fencing, and outdoor living elements. Commercial sites may also need parking-lot islands, screening, snow-storage planning, and maintenance access. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall outdoor scope and the licensed specialty trades required when electrical, plumbing, or structural elements are part of the project. Cost is project-specific and depends on area, materials, access, and whether irrigation or lighting is included.
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Front Range climate and material choices
Denver-area landscaping has to handle freeze-thaw cycles, intense sun, hail, and limited water. Plant palettes often favor drought-tolerant and native or adapted species. Hardscape materials should be selected for freeze resistance and drainage, especially where snow melt and ice are expected. A practical plan also accounts for HOA or municipal design rules, utility locate requirements before digging, and how roof runoff and yard drainage will move water away from structures.
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Hardscape, irrigation, and outdoor living
Hardscape packages may include concrete or paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, steps, and outdoor kitchens or seating areas. Irrigation design should match planting zones and local watering rules. Low-voltage lighting and outdoor power, when included, are coordinated with the specialty trades that perform that work. Retaining walls, elevated decks, and structures with roofs or electrical service may trigger building permits. Scope should separate plant install from structural or utility work so inspections stay clear.
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Permits and who coordinates the work
Simple planting may not need a building permit, but grading changes, retaining walls, fences over local height limits, electrical outdoor circuits, and gas lines for outdoor appliances often do. Cities and counties license general contractors. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license. Autotelic acts as a municipally licensed Denver general contractor and coordinates licensed specialty trades when the outdoor package includes regulated work. Permit responsibility should be stated up front.
FAQ
Common questions
What should a Denver landscaping plan include?
Existing grades and drainage, planting zones, hardscape footprints, irrigation intent, utility locations, and any retaining walls or outdoor structures. Photos and a rough budget band help, but final pricing stays project-specific.
Who handles landscaping permits and licensing?
A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and the licensed specialty trades required for regulated portions of the work. Local city or county departments issue applicable permits. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.
Is xeriscape practical for Denver yards?
Often yes. Drought-tolerant and adapted plantings reduce water demand when paired with soil prep, mulch, and irrigation zoning. The right mix depends on sun exposure, slope, and how the yard will be used.
How is commercial landscaping different from residential work?
Commercial sites usually need clearer access for maintenance equipment, parking and pedestrian circulation, snow storage, and longer-term durability of plantings and hardscape. Phasing around open businesses is common.
When do outdoor living features need a building permit?
Elevated decks, covered structures, retaining walls above local thresholds, and outdoor electrical or gas work commonly need review. Exact triggers depend on the city or county and the structure details.
Service Area
Serving Boulder and Boulder County
We serve Boulder, CO and all surrounding Denver metro communities. Our team is based in Denver and operates throughout the Front Range, from Castle Rock to Longmont and everywhere in between. Contact us for a free estimate on your Boulder project.
How It Runs
01
Survey
02
Design
03
Build
04
Verify
DESIGN SERVICES
Discovery & Site Analysis
Needs + preference programming, site survey, as-built documentation, feasibility.
We walk, measure, and photograph your property — existing conditions, utilities, structure, and constraints. You get the as-built documentation and feasibility read that every later decision rests on.
Learn more →Concept Design & Space Planning
Schematic design, floor plan studies, layout options.
Your scope becomes schematic floor plans you can compare side by side — circulation, daylight, adjacencies, and what each option does to the budget. Layout decisions happen on paper, where changes are cheap.
Learn more →Architectural Design & 3D Renderings
Design development, materials + finishes, photorealistic visualization.
The chosen concept resolves into materials, finishes, fixtures, and lighting — with the automation layer drawn in. Photorealistic renderings let you walk the space and adjust before anything is priced.
Learn more →Construction Documents & Permitting
Full CD sets, structural + MEP engineering coordination, permit-ready drawings.
Approved designs become coordinated architectural, structural, and MEP sheets — the set your jurisdiction permits from and trades build from. We submit, track, and answer review comments.
Learn more →CONSTRUCTION
New Construction & Custom Homes
Ground-up homes and light commercial, dirt to keys.
Ground-up residential and light commercial builds — foundations through finishes, including modular and steel construction. One accountable builder from dirt to keys.
Learn more →Remodels & Additions
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, whole-home.
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, and whole-home renovations that respect the house you already have. We handle structure, permits, and the dust.
Learn more →Commercial Tenant Finish & Build-Outs
Shells to working spaces — retail, office, restaurant, school.
Raw shells become working spaces — showrooms, offices, restaurants, schools. Dealer-spec finishes, code compliance, and opening dates held.
Learn more →ADUs & Modular Construction
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, factory-built homes.
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, and factory-built homes — zoning, design, permits, and set. Denver’s ADU rules are a specialty, not a surprise.
Learn more →Outdoor Living & Patio Structures
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios built for Colorado weather.
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios engineered for Colorado sun, snow, and hail — structure, shade, and drainage done right the first time.
Learn more →TECHNOLOGY
Smart Home Automation
Lighting, shades, climate, audio, security — one interface.
Whole-home control of lighting, shades, climate, audio, and security from a single interface — Crestron, Lutron, Savant, and Control4 designed in, not bolted on.
Learn more →A/V Systems
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, commercial sound.
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, and commercial sound — designed, installed, and tuned by the same team for over 20 years.
Learn more →Control Systems
Custom programming — scenes and schedules that fit the space.
Every subsystem brought into one elegant interface — custom programming for homes and venues, with scenes and schedules that match how the space is actually used.
Learn more →Networking & Edge Compute
Enterprise Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, on-prem compute.
Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, and on-premise compute — the backbone that makes everything else reliable, including our own Barbot platform.
Learn more →Solar & Energy Storage
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, EV charging — certified install.
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, and EV charging designed and installed by a Tesla Energy Certified team — roof, electrical, and app in one scope.
Learn more →Explore
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