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 β 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 β 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 β 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
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