ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated OteroTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Otero, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1,617
Owner-occupied
36%
Zoning districts
6
Median Lot Size
1.34 acres
Avg Income
$65,753
Residential Types:
1,617 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
37 parcels · 6 districts
R-1
41%(15)
R-3
24%(9)
I-1
16%(6)
I-2
11%(4)
Other
8%(3)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Otero, CO?
Unincorporated Otero, 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
- –Internal ADUs are not allowed on lots with duplex or multifamily dwellings; in those cases, no floor area is permitted.
Max Units
- –Single-family lots: none specified.
- –Duplex or multifamily: 0 per lot (not allowed).
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs.
Parking
- –2 off-street spaces per ADU; tandem parking can count for one space; up to 20% shared reductions where peak demands do not overlap; required spaces must be on the same lot as the ADU
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.
Otero County