ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated DouglasTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Douglas, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
67,442
Owner-occupied
90%
Zoning districts
49
Avg Home Value
$875,379
Median Lot Size
0.18 acres
Avg Income
$175,684
Residential Types:
67,442 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
96,331 parcels · 49 districts
PD
78%(75,440)
A1
7%(6,376)
RR
5%(4,718)
SR
4%(4,040)
Other
6%(5,757)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Douglas, CO?
Unincorporated Douglas, 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
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner occupancy not required.
Parking
- –2 spaces/ADU (single-family); 8 spaces/lot (A-1/LRR/RR/ER large-lot); off-site parking within 400 ft; shared parking via joint-use; second ADU must meet parking standards; 110% max without approval; 125% with justification
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.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Colorado municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Douglas County