ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated GarfieldTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Garfield, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Parcels
12,661
Zoning districts
20
Median Parcel Size
6.26 acres
Zoning Districts:
12,688 parcels · 20 districts
R
49%(6,156)
PUD
31%(3,954)
RU
5%(599)
RL
4%(485)
Other
12%(1,494)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Garfield, CO?
Unincorporated Garfield, 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
- –Maximum size of 1,200 sq ft for an internal (in-home) accessory dwelling unit.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size is 1,200 sq ft.
Max Units
- –Single-family primary: 1 ADU/lot
- –Non-residential primary: 4 ADUs/lot; if >1 acre, +4/acre on area beyond 1 acre
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy is not required.
Parking
- –ADU parking not listed in the minimum/maximum table; spaces, if any, determined by the Director; vehicles exiting ADU parking spaces may back onto a residential street.
Rental Restrictions
- –Deed-restricted ADUs: no short-term rentals; must be used as a primary residence.
- –Temporary leasing (if allowed) requires a written lease of at least 6 months and at most 2 years, with rent not to exceed the owner's approved costs.
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.
Garfield County