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Accessory Structures

Pueblo's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Pueblo, Colorado, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Shed & Carport Rules

Pueblo caps detached accessory buildings like sheds at 15% of the lot or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less, and lets one-story structures 16 feet or shorter sit as close as 5 feet from the rear or side line.

Key details: Size cap: 15% of lot or 1,500 sq ft. Setback: 5 feet if 16 ft or lower. Approval needed: 200+ sq ft needs Dept approval. Citation: Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-4-23(c).

Building or placing an oversized, over-limit, or improperly sited accessory structure without required approval violates Chapter 4 performance standards, a municipal offense under Section 17-7-3.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Pueblo requires lot owners to prove they occupy the property before building or converting an accessory dwelling unit, using a utility bill, medical bill, mail, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months.

Key details: Required: Proof owner occupies the lot. Accepted proof: Utility, medical bill, mail, bank statement. Document age: Dated within 12 months. Citation: Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-4-16(b)(1).

Applying without occupancy proof, or later selling or subdividing the ADU separately from the home under (b)(2), violates Chapter 4 performance standards, a municipal offense under Section 17-7-3.

ADU Rules

Pueblo allows one accessory dwelling unit by right on any lot zoned for a one-family residence, including qualifying PUDs, but caps its size at 800 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller.

Key details: Allowed: One ADU per one-family lot. Size cap: 800 sq ft or 100% of home. Detached setback: 5 feet if 16 ft or lower. Citation: Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-4-16.

Building or converting an ADU that exceeds the size cap, adds a second unit, or skips required zoning review violates Chapter 4 performance standards, a municipal offense under Section 17-7-3.

The Bottom Line

Pueblo's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Pueblo is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Pueblo's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.