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Accessory Structures in Manitou Springs, CO (2026)

2 verified accessory structures rules for Manitou Springs, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

ADU Rules

Manitou Springs allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot as a by-right use with a principal single-family home, capping size at 250 to 750 square feet, barring short-term rental use, and charging a half water/sewer tap fee before a building permit issues.

Manitou Springs Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules

Some Restrictions

Manitou Springs Municipal Code § 18.04.3.7(B), (D), (E), (G)

18.04.3.7Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ... B.Use Standards. ... 1.Number. Only one ADU shall be permitted for each principal dwelling unit on a lot. However, ADUs shall not be subject to density restrictions stated in the applicable dimensional standards table;2.Size. The ADU shall be no less than two hundred and fifty square feet in habitable space and no more than fifty percent of the square...

Shed & Carport Rules

Manitou Springs caps the combined floor area of accessory structures like sheds at no more than the primary house's own floor area, bans shipping containers and POD units as permanent structures, and requires rigid wood or glass framing rather than plastic sheeting or tarps.

Manitou Springs Accessory Structure Rules

Some Restrictions

Manitou Springs Municipal Code § 18.04.24.1

18.04.24.1Generally.A.Accessory structures are permitted on private property within the City of Manitou Springs in accordance with the setbacks outlined in the dimensional standards table and the following:1.The gross floor area of the cumulative total of accessory structures on a lot shall not exceed the gross floor area of the primary structure. ... 3.Intermodal shipping containers and portab...

Looking for El Paso County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Manitou Springs city rules.

Accessory Structures in El Paso County