Aurora, CO Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Aurora's UDO permits one detached accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, but only on lots served by an alley, capped at 650 square feet and 24 feet tall. Section 146-3.3.6.G.1.l requires the property owner to occupy either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling: an owner who moves out of both units loses compliance. The same section bars subdividing the lot so the ADU sits on a separate plat from the house (146-3.3.6.G.1.m), and allows the ADU to be rented as a short-term rental only while the owner lives in the primary structure (146-3.3.6.G.1.n). Colorado has recently expanded state involvement in ADU policy, so state law is also active here.