ADUs are allowed in GoldenTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Golden, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
5,331
Owner-occupied
69%
Zoning districts
26
Avg Home Value
$1,000,989
Median Lot Size
0.18 acres
Avg Income
$124,950
Residential Types:
5,331 housing units
Single Family
5%
Apts (4+ units)
14%
Other
82%
Zoning Districts:
7,993 parcels · 26 districts
PUD
40%(3,213)
R-1
21%(1,669)
R-3
8%(654)
R-2
8%(624)
Other
23%(1,833)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Golden, CO?
Golden, 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 is the lesser of 800 sq ft or 50% of the principal living space when that space is at least 1,000 sq ft; otherwise the maximum is 500 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size: if the principal dwelling has 1,000 sq ft or more of living space, the ADU may be up to 50% of that living space or 800 sq ft, whichever is smaller; otherwise 500 sq ft.
Max Units
- –Single-family: 1 ADU/lot; Duplex: 1 ADU/lot; Multifamily: 0 ADUs/lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or ADU.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; no max specified; tandem parking allowed (may count toward other required spaces) and must be shown on a site plan
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals must be licensed and the unit must be the licensee’s primary residence; only one dwelling unit on the lot (including an ADU) may be licensed as a short-term rental; operating a short-term rental in a non-primary residence is unlawful.
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.
Jefferson County