Pueblo, CO Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)
Key Facts
- Required
- Proof owner occupies the lot
- Accepted proof
- Utility, medical bill, mail, bank statement
- Document age
- Dated within 12 months
- Citation
- Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-4-16(b)(1)
Summary
Pueblo requires lot owners to prove they occupy the property before building or converting an accessory dwelling unit, using a utility bill, medical bill, mail, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months.
The owner of a lot must demonstrate occupancy of the lot when an application is submitted to construct a new accessory dwelling unit on a lot that already contains a one-family residence or to convert part of an existing one-family residence into an accessory dwelling unit. Proof of occupancy may include, but not be limited to, a computer-generated utility or medical bill, first-class mail, or bank statement that includes the subject property address and is dated within 12 months of applying to construct or convert an accessory dwelling unit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the one-family residence on the same lot; nor shall the lot on which the accessory dwelling unit and one-family residence are situated be further subdivided or rearranged to create individual lots for the purpose of separating ownership of the accessory dwelling unit from the ownership of the one-family residence.
(3) The construction or conversion of an accessory dwelling unit or modifications to an existing accessory dwelling unit located on properties in a Historic District or on a designated or landmarked historic property shall follow design standards and procedures of that district.
(4) Prefabricated homes such as manufactured homes are allowed for use as an accessory dwelling unit if placed on a permanent foundation designed by a Colorado registered design professional.
(5) Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or other structures not placed on a permanent
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 109).
Full Breakdown
Section 17-4-16(b)(1) ties ADU applications to owner-occupancy: before the City accepts an application to build a new accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing one-family home, or to convert part of that home into an ADU, the lot owner must show they actually live there. Acceptable proof includes a computer-generated utility or medical bill, first-class mail, or a bank statement showing the property address, dated within 12 months of the application. The rule applies to every ADU application in Pueblo, new construction and conversions alike, and works alongside the separate ban on selling or subdividing the ADU apart from the main house.
Violations & Fines
Applying without occupancy proof, or later selling or subdividing the ADU separately from the home under (b)(2), violates Chapter 4 performance standards, a municipal offense under Section 17-7-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in the house to build an ADU in Pueblo?
What counts as proof of occupancy for a Pueblo ADU application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pueblo
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