Colorado Springs, CO Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Colorado Springs, CO, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- UDC Subsection 7.3.304E.2 (Standards for Detached ADUs)
- State Law
- HB 24-1152 / C.R.S. 29-35-103 (no new parking required)
- Garage conversion setbacks
- Must meet ADU setbacks (5 ft rear; 10 ft if alley-facing)
- Mobile home / RV as ADU
- Prohibited
- Prefab / tiny homes
- Allowed on permanent foundation with metered utilities
- Approval
- Administrative; building permit + site plan, no hearing
Summary
Colorado Springs expressly allows an existing detached garage to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit; the converted garage must meet the ADU setbacks of UDC Subsection 7.3.304E, and under Colorado HB 24-1152 (C.R.S. 29-35-103) the City may not require a new off-street parking space for a garage-to-ADU conversion.
Conversion of Existing Detached Garages: The detached garage shall meet the minimum setbacks for an accessory dwelling unit as required in this Section. Prefabricated Homes: Prefabricated homes, such as manufactured homes or tiny homes, are permitted for use as an ADU if placed on a permanent foundation and connected to metered utility services. A mobile home or recreational vehicle may not be used as an ADU.
Full Breakdown
' A converted garage therefore follows the same ADU dimensional rules - a 5-foot rear setback (10 feet if a unit is above the garage and the overhead door faces an alley), front and side setbacks no greater than those of the primary dwelling, and the 25/28-foot height limits. Prefabricated, manufactured, and tiny homes are also permitted as ADUs when placed on a permanent foundation and connected to metered utilities, but a mobile home or recreational vehicle may not be used as an ADU. S.
29-35-103), effective June 30, 2025, prohibits the City from requiring the construction of a new off-street parking space in connection with the construction or conversion of an ADU, except on a parcel with no existing off-street parking that is in a zoning district requiring parking and on a block where on-street parking is prohibited. ADUs, including garage conversions, are processed administratively with a building permit and site plan reviewed against objective standards, with no public hearing.
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage to a dwelling unit without a building permit and ADU site-plan approval, or in a way that fails the ADU setbacks of UDC Subsection 7.3.304E, is subject to zoning enforcement under UDC Part 7.5.9, including correction or removal. A converted-garage ADU also may not be used as a short-term rental or sold separately from the principal dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my detached garage into an ADU in Colorado Springs?
Will I have to add parking when I convert a garage to an ADU?
Can a converted garage ADU be rented short-term?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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