Accessory Structures in Denver, CO (2026)
9 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 ADUs by right in all residential zones since 2023 zoning updates. No owner-occupancy required as of state HB 24-1152 (effective June 2025). ADUs capped at 1.5 stories / 24 ft height.
Denver ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Denver permits Accessory Dwelling Units citywide following the 2024 ADU rezoning under Denver Zoning Code (DZC) Articles 4 and 11. ADUs are allowed by-right in all single-unit zones with administrative review by Community Planning and Development (CPD). Applications go through ePlan; CPD targets a 6-8 week turnaround for compliant submittals.
Denver ADU Permit Process
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Denver's Affordable Housing Impact Fee (DRMC Sec. 27-150) and Transportation Impact Fee (DRMC Sec. 56-2) are waived for ADUs under 1,000 sq ft in many districts under Council Bill 23-0739 and Mayor's Executive Order to support ADU production. Standard SDDP plan-review fees, building-permit fees, and Denver Wastewater and Water Department connection charges still apply.
Denver ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Denver does NOT require owner occupancy for ADUs. The 2024 citywide ADU rezone (Council Bill 23-0739) eliminated all owner-occupancy requirements that had been part of earlier Denver Zoning Code provisions. DZC Article 11 use limitations explicitly allow non-owner-occupied ADUs in every residential zone.
Denver ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Denver permits long-term ADU rental without minimum lease terms but restricts short-term rentals (under 30 days) to the operator's primary residence under DRMC Chapter 33, Article XI. An owner-occupied ADU may be the STR unit, but a non-primary-residence ADU cannot legally be rented for stays under 30 days. STR operators need a Business License and a Short-Term Rental License.
Denver ADU Rental Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
All Denver sheds require a zoning permit. Sheds over 8 feet tall or over 200 sq ft also require a building permit. Each property is limited to one shed plus one accessory structure.
Denver Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Denver allows garage-to-ADU conversions in most residential zones since the 2023 zoning update. Building permits required. Converted garages must meet ADU standards including fire safety and egress.
Denver Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Denver treats carports as detached accessory structures under Denver Zoning Code Article 11 and the Denver Building Code: they generally require a building permit, must sit in the rear 35% of the zone lot, and follow zone-specific height, setback, and lot-coverage limits.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Denver permits tiny homes as permanent dwellings only when built on a permanent foundation and meeting Denver Residential Code Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses), which defines a tiny house as 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts. Tiny homes on wheels are not allowed as principal dwellings in residential zones, but Temporary Managed Communities (the rebranded tiny home village rules under Denver Zoning Code Article 11) allow grouped tiny structures for transitional housing on approved sites.
Denver Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Accessory Structures in Denver County →