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 now allows one ADU on any lot with a single-family detached home citywide (except WUI wildfire zones) following Ordinance 25-45 (April 8, 2025) implementing state HB 24-1152. ADUs are limited to 1,250 sq ft or 50% of primary home, whichever is less.
Colorado Springs ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU 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
Accessory structures (sheds, workshops, detached garages) in Colorado Springs require a building permit if they exceed 200 square feet or are over 1 story. Smaller sheds may be built without a permit but must meet setback and zoning requirements.
Colorado Springs Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space or an ADU in Colorado Springs requires a building permit from PPRBD. The project must meet IRC residential standards and may require replacing lost off-street parking. ADU conversions require separate ADU compliance.
Colorado Springs Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport 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 →