Colorado Springs, CO Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

After the 2024 ADU ordinance amendment to Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code), an Accessory Dwelling Unit is allowed as an accessory use to a single-family detached dwelling in any zone district, overlay district, or other location where single-family detached dwellings are allowed. A detached ADU's habitable floor area may not exceed 50 percent of the principal structure's habitable area or 1,250 square feet, whichever is less; where the principal structure has less than 1,500 square feet of habitable area, the ADU is capped at 750 square feet.

The maximum height of a detached ADU is 25 feet with a flat roof or roof pitch under 6:12, or 28 feet with a 6:12-or-greater pitch, but never more than the principal building's maximum height for the zone. In the rear yard the ADU must be set back 5 feet (10 feet if the unit is above a garage with an overhead door facing an alley); front and side setbacks may not exceed those of the primary dwelling. No off-street parking is required for an ADU, though one space may be designated where a driveway, garage, or adjacent space already exists.

ADUs may not be used as short-term rentals, may not be sold separately from the principal dwelling, and may not be a mobile home or RV. S. 29-35-103), which since June 30, 2025 bars subject jurisdictions from requiring new off-street parking, owner-occupancy, or restrictive design or dimension standards for ADUs.