ADUs are allowed in Commerce CityTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Commerce City, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
22,723
Owner-occupied
84%
Zoning districts
40
Avg Home Value
$517,103
Median Lot Size
0.14 acres
Avg Income
$121,032
Residential Types:
22,723 housing units
Single Family
2%
2-3 Family
1%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
96%
Zoning Districts:
29,028 parcels · 40 districts
PUD
73%(21,140)
R-2
11%(3,183)
R-1
4%(1,274)
R-1-C
4%(1,034)
Other
8%(2,397)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Commerce City, CO?
Commerce City, CO follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Parking
- –2 spaces/ADU; max 3 spaces (150%), except no max for single-family uses; garages/carports count; tandem parking allowed for single-family; parking must be on the same lot; director may reduce by up to 50% near activity centers or within 1/4 mile of a multi-modal station.
Rental Restrictions
- –STRs allowed with license; max 30 consecutive days per guest; STRs must be incidental and the unit must be occupied as a residential dwelling for the majority of the year; only one STR contract may operate on the property; if the operator's primary residence is the ADU, STR in the principal dwelling is not allowed (principal must be occupied long-term when not used for STR); density cap: no more than one licensed STR within 500 feet of another STR.
ADU State Law
What can you build in Colorado?
- –ADUs must be approved based on objective standards; no discretionary hearings allowed.
- –Historic properties: Local historic review may still apply in designated historic districts.
- –Exempt parcels: ADUs are not required to be allowed on parcels without adequate water/sewer, in floodways, or on certain historic properties.
- –HOAs cannot prohibit ADUs: HOA rules that conflict with the state ADU law are void.
- –Parking exceptions exist: In rare cases, one parking space may be required if there is no existing off-street parking and on-street parking is prohibited.
- –Local rules still matter: Building code, fire code, utility capacity, and life-safety standards still apply.
- –More permissive is allowed: Municipalities may allow larger ADUs, multiple ADUs, or additional housing types beyond what the state requires.
- –Local zoning controls whether ADUs are allowed at all.
- –HOA rules may still apply.
- –More permissive local rules are allowed.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Colorado municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Adams County