Fort Collins permits Accessory Dwelling Units in residential zones under the Land Use Code (LUC) Article 4 and Division 3.8.30. Applications go through Community Development and Neighborhood Services (CDNS) as administrative Basic Development Reviews. Colorado HB24-1152 (effective 6/30/2025) further requires by-right ADU approval citywide in single-family zones.
Fort Collins LUC Division 3.8.30 sets ADU standards: detached or attached ADUs allowed in RL, LMN, MMN, NCL, NCM, and NCB zones. The 2024 LUC update made ADUs permitted by-right with administrative Basic Development Review (BDR), no public hearing. Maximum ADU size: 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is less. Detached ADU height capped at 24 ft. One off-street parking space required unless within a Transit-Oriented District. Applications filed through Citizen Access portal; CDNS targets 4-6 weeks for ADU BDR. Colorado HB24-1152 (Senate-passed 2024, effective June 30, 2025) overrides any remaining municipal restrictions in jurisdictions of 1,000+ population, mandating by-right ADU approval in all single-family zones.
Building an ADU without permits violates Fort Collins City Code Chapter 5 (Buildings) and LUC 1.4.9. Civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation per day under City Code 1-15. CDNS issues a stop-work order, double permit fees as an investigation fee, and a Notice of Violation recorded against title.
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