ADUs are allowed in Colorado SpringsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Colorado Springs, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
159,081
Owner-occupied
78%
Zoning districts
56
Avg Home Value
$570,417
Median Lot Size
0.17 acres
Avg Income
$104,318
Residential Types:
159,081 housing units
Single Family
95%
2-3 Family
1%
Apts (4+ units)
2%
Other
2%
Zoning Districts:
185,158 parcels · 56 districts
R-1-6
36%(67,418)
PDZ
36%(67,347)
R-2
6%(10,353)
R-5
5%(8,509)
Other
17%(31,531)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs, 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
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Max ADU size 750 sq ft when principal dwelling GFA < 1,500 sq ft
- –Max ADU size is 50% of principal dwelling GFA when GFA ≥ 1,500 sq ft
- –Absolute cap of 1,250 sq ft when principal dwelling GFA ≥ 1,500 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size 750 sq ft when principal dwelling gross floor area is under 1500 sq ft
- –Maximum ADU size is 50% of the principal dwelling gross floor area when the principal dwelling is 1500 sq ft or larger
- –Maximum ADU size capped at 1250 sq ft when the principal dwelling is 1500 sq ft or larger
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Proof of owner residence required, unless built together.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals prohibited
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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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.
El Paso County
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