Accessory Structures in Denver, CO (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Denver allows one accessory dwelling unit per primary house, duplex, or multi-unit building in every zone district, but a permit applicant in a single-unit district must already occupy the primary home as their residence.
Denver ADU Permit and Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code §§ 11.8.2.1.A.1, 11.8.2.2.B.2.a
One Accessory Dwelling Unit use is permitted as accessory to each Primary Dwelling Unit containing a primary Single Unit Dwelling, Two Unit Dwelling, or Multi-Unit Dwelling use on a Zone Lot according to the requirements in this Section 11.8.2. ... At the time a permit application is submitted for an Accessory Dwelling Unit use accessory to an existing Primary Dwelling Unit, at least one owner ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Denver requires at least one owner of the primary home to live there as a primary residence when applying for an Accessory Dwelling Unit permit, in single-unit zone districts where ADUs are allowed.
Denver ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 11.8.2.2.B.2.a
At the time a permit application is submitted for an Accessory Dwelling Unit use accessory to an existing Primary Dwelling Unit, at least one owner of the existing Primary Dwelling Unit shall occupy the existing Primary Dwelling Unit as the owner's primary residence, except as provided in Section 11.8.2.2.B.2.b below.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Denver requires an accessory dwelling unit to stay under the same ownership as the main house, and the owner must live on site before getting an ADU permit.
Denver ADU Rental Ownership Rules
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 11.8.2.2 (A, B.2.a)
A. Ownership of Primary and Accessory Dwelling Units The Accessory Dwelling Unit use shall be operated and maintained under the same ownership as the Primary Dwelling Unit use to which it is accessory. ... at least one owner of the existing Primary Dwelling Unit shall occupy the existing Primary Dwelling Unit as the owner's primary residence.
Shed & Carport Rules
Denver requires 21 feet of vehicle maneuvering clearance in front of carport openings, or a 5-foot setback when the opening faces an alley.
Denver Carport Maneuvering Area Rules
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 10.4.5.1.D
Garage doors or Carport openings that do not open directly to a street or public or private Alley shall provide a minimum distance of 21 feet of maneuvering area as measured perpendicular from the face of the garage door or Carport opening. (See Figure 10.4-2) 2. When Garage doors or Carport openings are facing alley, Garage doors or Carport openings that open directly to a street or public or...
Tiny Homes
Denver's zoning code treats a tiny home built to the state's chassis-based definition as a type of Manufactured Home, so it can only be sited in the Manufactured Home Community zone district, not in a standard residential backyard.
Denver Tiny Homes Classified as Manufactured Homes
Significant RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 13.3 (Division 13.3, Definitions of Words, Terms & Phrases, "Manufactured Home")
Manufactured Home: A Manufactured Home is defined as any one of the following: 1. A dwelling that is built on a chassis; is designed for long-term residential occupancy; contains complete electrical, plumbing, and sanitary facilities; is designed to be installed in a permanent or semipermanent manner with or without a permanent foundation; and is capable of being drawn over public highways as ...