ADUs are allowed in CortezTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cortez, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
4,253
Owner-occupied
48%
Zoning districts
23
Avg Home Value
$27,439
Median Lot Size
0.21 acres
Avg Income
$60,417
Residential Types:
4,253 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
4,604 parcels · 23 districts
R-1
45%(2,054)
R-3
15%(675)
R-2
12%(545)
C
10%(460)
Other
19%(870)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cortez, CO?
Cortez, 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 850 sq ft of gross living area for an internal/attached ADU
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum 850 sq ft gross living area for detached ADU in permitted zones (R-2, MH, NB).
- –Maximum 850 sq ft gross living area for detached ADU in conditional-use zones (RE, R-1).
Max Units
- –Duplex lots: 0 per lot; Multifamily lots: 0 per lot; Single-family and ADU type: none specified.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the single-family dwelling or the ADU
Parking
- –1 off-street space per ADU (in addition to the 2 for the existing single-family residence); spaces may be in a garage or carport and may be provided in tandem; no maximum.
Rental Restrictions
- –Rentals allowed only for terms >30 days; short-term rentals under 30 days are 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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ADU rules in other Colorado municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Montezuma County