ADUs are allowed in Del NorteTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Del Norte, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Parcels
1,097
Zoning districts
13
Zoning Districts:
1,123 parcels · 13 districts
R2
38%(430)
R1
35%(391)
CH
13%(148)
CBC
9%(97)
Other
5%(57)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Del Norte, CO?
Del Norte, 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 650 sq ft for integrated/attached ADUs; basement or attic units are exempt from this cap
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size of 650 sq ft of finished floor space
Max Units
- –R1/R2/CH: 1 ADU/lot if parcel ≥7,500 sq ft.
- –Other zones (RU, CB, I, MHP): none specified.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy an ADU on parcel; CH requires permanent county residency.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; no max. exceptions: shared driveway allowed if all spots accessible; off-street parking must be on the same lot; principal dwelling parking still required (2 unencumbered spaces per 1-unit dwelling).
Rental Restrictions
- –No ADU may be used as a short-term rental (STR); STRs are defined as 30 days or less, so any ADU rental must exceed 30 days.
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.
Rio Grande County