Accessory Structures in Loveland, CO (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Loveland, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Loveland updated its Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations to comply with Colorado HB 24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025), which mandates that subject Front-Range jurisdictions allow at least one ADU as an accessory use to every single-unit detached dwelling through an administrative approval process. Loveland permits one ADU per single-family lot, capped at 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area or 900-1,200 sq ft (depending on lot size). Capital expansion fees are waived. Owner-occupancy cannot be required and parking is generally not required.
Loveland Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Loveland UDC Title 18 treats sheds and similar detached accessory structures as accessory uses subject to residential-zone setback standards - typically 5 ft from side and rear property lines, with the structure required to sit behind the principal dwelling. The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by Loveland in Title 15 exempts one-story detached residential accessory structures up to 200 sq ft (with no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems) from a building permit. Larger sheds, or any shed with electrical service, require a building permit through Loveland Building Division.
Loveland Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a Loveland garage to habitable living space requires a building permit and electrical permit from Loveland Building Division under the 2021 International Residential Code (change of occupancy from U to R-3). If the conversion creates a kitchen and a separate entrance, the result is an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Loveland UDC Title 18, which is permitted as-of-right (one ADU per single-family lot) under Colorado HB 24-1152 with size caps of 75% of the primary dwelling or 900-1,200 sq ft depending on lot size.
Loveland Garage Conversion
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Loveland UDC Title 18 treats detached carports as accessory structures subject to residential-zone setbacks - typically 5 ft from side and rear property lines, with the carport required to sit behind the front building line of the principal dwelling. Attached carports follow the principal-building setbacks of the underlying zoning district. A building permit is required through Loveland Building Division under the 2021 International Residential Code with engineered wind-uplift anchorage for the Larimer County 115 mph basic wind speed.
Loveland Carport Rules
Few RestrictionsTiny Homes
Loveland regulates tiny homes through dwelling type. Tiny homes on a permanent foundation (Tiny House on a Foundation / THoF) are governed by the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix Q as adopted in Loveland Municipal Code Title 15 - dwellings of 400 sq ft or less qualify for relaxed ceiling-height, loft, and stair standards. Tiny Houses on Wheels (THoW) are treated as recreational vehicles and generally cannot be used as permanent residences in Loveland residential zones. After Colorado HB 24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025), a permanently foundation-mounted tiny home may qualify as an ADU on a single-family lot subject to the 900-1,200 sq ft ADU size caps.
Loveland Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Larimer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Loveland city rules.
Accessory Structures in Larimer County →