Accessory Structures in Aurora, CO (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Aurora, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Aurora allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots per UDO Section 146-4.7.6, with owner-occupancy and size caps tied to the primary dwelling.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Aurora regulates detached accessory dwelling units under Unified Development Ordinance Section 146-3.3.6 (Accessory and Temporary Uses). Only one ADU is allowed per single-family detached dwelling and the ADU must be detached - attached or interior ADUs are not permitted under current city code. Plan review goes through the Building Division at the Aurora Municipal Center with a building permit, zoning sign-off, and trade permits. State law Colorado HB24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025) preempts Aurora's existing restrictions and requires an administrative approval pathway, prompting the city to draft UDO amendments tracked at engageaurora.org/zcu.
ADU Permits in Aurora
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Aurora collects development impact fees for new dwelling units under Aurora City Code Chapter 138 (Development Fees). ADU permits trigger building permit fees, plan-review fees, Aurora Water tap fees, and use-tax on construction materials. The city has not adopted a per-unit ADU surcharge or a low-income waiver. State law HB24-1152 allows local governments to keep impact fees on ADUs but encourages waivers for small or affordable units; Aurora is studying fee structures as part of the post-2025 UDO update.
ADU Impact Fees in Aurora
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Aurora's current short-term rental rule in Aurora City Code 146-3.3.6 limits short-term rental of an ADU to property owners who are living in the primary dwelling - effectively an owner-occupancy condition tied to STR use. Long-term rental of an ADU does not require owner occupancy under the existing code. Colorado HB24-1152, operative June 30, 2025, preempts owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs in subject jurisdictions like Aurora; the city is amending the UDO to comply.
ADU Owner Occupancy in Aurora
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Aurora permits long-term rental of ADUs (leases of 30+ days) with no city license required beyond the ADU permit. Short-term rental of an ADU (under 30 days) is allowed only when the property owner lives in the primary dwelling, under UDO 146-3.3.6, and requires an Aurora STR business license and collection of the 8% Aurora lodger's tax plus 4.25% state lodger's tax. STRs without a license are a code violation. HB24-1152 will affect owner-occupancy conditioning beginning June 30, 2025.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Aurora
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Aurora allows residential sheds under 120 square feet without a building permit, but zoning setbacks and height limits apply under the Unified Development Ordinance.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Aurora requires a building permit, habitable-space code compliance, and replacement off-street parking under the UDO.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Aurora treats carports as accessory structures subject to setbacks, height limits, and building permits when attached or over 120 square feet.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs or primary dwellings in Aurora; tiny homes on wheels are generally limited to licensed RV parks.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Arapahoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Aurora city rules.
Accessory Structures in Arapahoe County →