ADUs are allowed in Steamboat SpringsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Steamboat Springs, CO
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
9,604
Owner-occupied
22%
Zoning districts
27
Avg Home Value
$1,616,967
Median Lot Size
0.19 acres
Avg Income
$143,286
Residential Types:
9,604 housing units
Single Family
48%
2-3 Family
3%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
48%
Zoning Districts:
12,474 parcels · 27 districts
RR-1
17%(2,161)
MF-3
9%(1,137)
RN-3
9%(1,078)
MF-1
8%(956)
Other
57%(7,142)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Steamboat Springs, CO?
Steamboat Springs, 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; excludes stairs and mechanical rooms from the calculation.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum 650 sq ft of net floor area for a detached secondary unit, excluding stairways and mechanical rooms.
Max Units
- –Single-family: 1 ADU/lot (attached/internal or detached)
- –Duplex (TND): 1 ADU/lot (in accessory building)
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) prohibited; long-term rentals permitted
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.
Routt County