Accessory Structures in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Colorado Springs, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Colorado Springs allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), plus up to two detached ADUs per lot, wherever single-family detached dwellings are permitted, with administrative approval and no required parking, under UDC Subsection 7.3.304E as amended to align with Colorado House Bill 24-1152 (C.R.S. 29-35-103).
Colorado Springs ADU Rules (UDC 7.3.304E)
Few RestrictionsColorado Springs UDC Subsection 7.3.304E.2 (Standards for Detached ADUs), Ordinance amending Chapter 7 (2024)
Maximum Floor Area: The habitable area of a detached ADU shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the habitable area of the principal structure or one thousand, two hundred and fifty (1,250) square feet, whichever is less; except that where the habitable area of the principal structure is less than one thousand, five hundred (1,500) square feet, the maximum size of the accessory dwelling unit sha...
ADU Permits
Colorado Springs allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under the Unified Development Code (UDC) adopted in 2023, codified in City Code Chapter 7. Detached and attached ADUs are permitted by right in most R-1 and R-2 single-family residential zone districts subject to a building permit reviewed by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). No Conditional Use Permit is required for compliant ADUs.
Colorado Springs ADU Permit Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Colorado Springs Utilities charges standard water, wastewater, and electric tap fees on ADUs requiring new service connections. No ADU-specific waiver exists. Building permit fees through PPRBD are based on construction valuation. Park land dedication and traffic impact fees under City Code Ch. 7.5 may apply for new dwelling units. Colorado has no statewide ADU fee waiver.
Colorado Springs ADU Impact Fees and Tap Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The Colorado Springs Unified Development Code (UDC) adopted in 2023 does not impose a strict owner-occupancy requirement on accessory dwelling units in most residential zones. Property owners may rent both the principal dwelling and the ADU long-term provided each unit meets habitability standards. Some Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and Master Plan overlays retain owner-occupancy conditions.
Colorado Springs ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rentals (30+ days) of ADUs are permitted under the Colorado Springs UDC § 7.4 without owner occupancy in most zones. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under City Code Chapter 7.5.1206 with a strict Non-Owner-Occupied STR cap (currently no new permits in most R districts) and a 500-foot dispersal rule. ADUs typically cannot become non-owner-occupied STRs.
Colorado Springs ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
In Colorado Springs, detached sheds and storage buildings are accessory structures regulated by UDC Subsection 7.3.304.A; structures under 200 square feet may sit in the rear setback and need no building permit, while larger ones must meet 5-to-10-foot setbacks and height limits, and total accessory floor area may not exceed that of the home.
Colorado Springs Shed Rules (UDC 7.3.304.A)
Few RestrictionsColorado Springs UDC Subsection 7.3.304.A (Accessory Uses, General Standards)
Accessory structures or uses with more than two hundred (200) square feet in gross floor area, in all zone districts, shall comply with the following setbacks: (1) In the A, R-E, and R-1 9 zone districts or if garage doors face an alley, ten (10) feet. (2) In the GI zone district, zero (0) feet. (3) In all other zone districts, five (5) feet unless otherwise specified in an approved Development...
Garage Conversions
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.
Colorado Springs Garage Conversion to ADU (7.3.304E)
Few RestrictionsColorado Springs UDC Subsection 7.3.304E.2.e-f (Conversion of Existing Detached Garages; Prefabricated Homes)
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 ...
Carport Rules
Carports in Colorado Springs require a building permit from Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. They are permitted as accessory structures in all residential zones with setbacks of 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, 25 feet from front. Maximum height is 15 feet and structures must be designed for the Front Range 115-mph wind and 30-psf snow load.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on foundations in Colorado Springs must comply with the full International Residential Code as adopted, including a minimum 120-square-foot habitable room under IRC Appendix Q (tiny house appendix) where adopted. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be permanently occupied as primary residences in most residential zones.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colorado Springs city rules.
Accessory Structures in El Paso County →