Accessory Structures in Broomfield, CO (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Broomfield, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Broomfield allows one accessory dwelling unit per parcel in any zoning district that permits single-unit residential use, under Broomfield Municipal Code section 17-32-160. An ADU cannot exceed 50% of the principal dwelling's footprint or 800 square feet, whichever is less, though any owner may still build up to 500 square feet regardless of house size.
Broomfield ADU Rules: Size and Design
Some RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 17-32-160
Accessory dwelling units are permitted accessory uses in all zoning districts which establish single-unit residential uses as a permitted use, subject to the following conditions: ... (B)Only one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed for each parcel. ... (D)The square footage of the accessory dwelling unit shall be no larger than 50% of the principal dwelling unit footprint or 800 square fee...
ADU Impact Fees
Broomfield charges a $1.00 per square foot services expansion fee, an excise tax approved by voters in 1995, on new residential construction, due before the building official issues a certificate of occupancy. Section 3-28-040(B) applies the fee to any dwelling unit as defined in section 17-04-100, B.M.C., a definition broad enough to reach a new accessory dwelling unit's living space.
Broomfield Services Expansion Fee for ADUs
Some RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 3-28-040(B)-(C)
(B)Any person who applies for a certificate of occupancy for any new residential construction shall pay to the city a services expansion fee of $1.00 for each square foot of total floor area for any dwelling unit as defined in section 17-04-100, B.M.C., or in section 202; International Building Code, or section R202, International Residential Code; or for any one-family dwelling unit as defined...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Broomfield Municipal Code section 17-32-160(E) makes every accessory dwelling unit in the city ineligible for use as a short term rental, as that term is defined in chapter 5-39 of the code. The ban applies to attached, internal, and detached ADUs alike and carries no waiver written into the section.
Broomfield Bans Short-Term Rental of ADUs
Heavy RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 17-32-160(E)
(E)Accessory dwelling units shall not be eligible for use as a short term rental, as defined in chapter 5-39 of the Broomfield Municipal Code.
Shed & Carport Rules
Broomfield Municipal Code section 17-34-020(H) requires every permitted accessory building, sheds included, to sit at least seven and a half feet from the principal building or from any other accessory building on the lot, and bars placing it in any side yard next to a street.
Broomfield Accessory Building Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 17-34-020(H)
(H)Accessory buildings. Permitted accessory buildings may be located in the required side or rear yard of a principal building, provided that such accessory buildings are located at least seven and one-half feet from any principal building or from another accessory building and not located in any side yard adjacent to a street.
Garage Conversions
Converting an existing garage into living space, or adding onto an existing dwelling, does not trigger Broomfield's $1.00-per-square-foot services expansion fee. Section 3-28-050(B) exempts garage conversions and additions to existing dwellings outright, and separately excludes garages and unfinished basements from the fee on brand-new residential construction.
Broomfield Garage Conversion Fee Exemption
Light RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 3-28-050(B)
(B)Neither garages and unfinished basements on new residential construction nor garage conversions or additions to existing dwellings shall be subject to the services expansion fee.
Tiny Homes
Broomfield Municipal Code section 17-32-160(K)-(L) permits manufactured homes, tiny homes, and modular homes to serve as a lawful accessory dwelling unit, as long as the unit sits on a foundation meeting the International Residential Code and is clad to match the principal house.
Broomfield Allows Tiny Homes as ADUs
Some RestrictionsBroomfield Municipal Code § 17-32-160(K)-(L)
(K)Manufactured homes and tiny homes shall be permitted for use as an accessory dwelling unit when installed with a foundation that is in compliance with the International Residential Code, which may include tie downs, and clad in materials or colors to match the principal structure, in compliance with section 17-42-320. ... (L)Tiny houses and modular homes shall be permitted for use as an acce...