Denver permits Accessory Dwelling Units citywide following the 2024 ADU rezoning under Denver Zoning Code (DZC) Articles 4 and 11. ADUs are allowed by-right in all single-unit zones with administrative review by Community Planning and Development (CPD). Applications go through ePlan; CPD targets a 6-8 week turnaround for compliant submittals.
Denver's June 2024 citywide ADU rezone (Council Bill 23-0739) made ADUs an allowed use in every Single Unit, Two Unit, Row House, and Multi-Unit residential zone district. DZC Article 11 sets unified ADU use limitations and Article 4 (zone district standards) sets form rules — height, lot coverage, and setbacks vary by zone. Maximum ADU size: 864 sq ft footprint or 1,000 sq ft gross floor area, whichever is smaller, with bonus area for accessibility. Detached ADUs may be up to 24 ft tall in most districts. Applications are filed through Denver's online portal (ePlan) under 'Concept Review' followed by a full building permit. No public hearing is required — ADUs are an administrative (ministerial) use. Pre-approved ADU plan sets through the Denver ADU Pilot are reviewed in approximately 30 days. Standard custom ADU permits take 6-8 weeks for plan review, plus revisions.
Building an ADU without permits violates DRMC Section 10-93 — civil penalties of $150-$999 per violation per day. CPD issues a stop-work order and Notice of Violation; the owner must pay double permit fees ('investigation fee' equal to the permit fee) under DBC 108.6 plus daily fines. NOVs are recorded against title and disclosed in real-estate transactions.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.