ADUs are allowed in DoloresTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Dolores, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
462
Owner-occupied
5%
Zoning districts
21
Avg Home Value
$25,278
Median Lot Size
0.22 acres
Avg Income
$40,521
Residential Types:
462 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
551 parcels · 21 districts
NR-1
42%(230)
CMU
14%(79)
NR-3
13%(71)
DMU
11%(58)
Other
21%(113)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Dolores, CO?
Dolores, 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 equal to the primary dwelling's gross floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 80% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must live in either the primary or ADU
Parking
- –1 off-street space per ADU (in addition to parking for the primary dwelling); DMU district: no off-street requirement; on-street may count toward minimum; off-site parking may be approved.
Rental Restrictions
- –STR permits required; only one STR permit per structure and cannot have STR in both the primary dwelling and ADU simultaneously.
- –STR allowed in all zones except MH-Mobile Home and P-Public; lodging-only use and no multiple contracts; permits last one year and must be renewed.
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.
Montezuma County