Denver accessory dwellings

Due to the shortage of affordable housing in Denver the City of Denver zoning department is encouraging home owners to go through the rezoning process to change their lot designation to allow for an additional structure or accessory dwelling unit ADU. That means in two and a half years your new rental unit or ADU would be paid in full. It will also increase the value of your property at the same time. While it does take some time and upfront expense the end result will increase the value of your home just by rezoning your lot alone.

I have seen the values of homes increase and estimated fifty thousand dollars without even building an additional unit.

Our Featured Work Become inspired to create the home of your dreams. For an accurate review, please check the Denver Zoning Code , or contact Arc West for assistance to determine the feasibility of an ADU addition to your specific property.

We have found in some rare instances that a property has the appropriate designation which permits the addition of an ADU structure, then review the minimum lot size requirements to find that the ADU is not permitted. These particular standards can be found under Denver Zoning Article 5 , Division 5. The zoning standards outline the maximum allowed coverage by both the primary structure and accessory structures such as a garage or ADU.

There are a couple of details to calculating the total lot coverage that can make it a bit tricky. Once you review and confirm these initial zoning standards, you very well may be in a position to design and build an ADU for your property. For the development of an ADU in the City and County of Denver, there are other requirements that must be considered as you continue to explore the feasibility of the ADU addition. These zoning standards will most likely apply:.

Carriage house. Granny flat. Mother-in-law suite. Alley house. Over the years, these structures have gone by a variety of names. In many areas of the country ADUs were commonplace. As cities grew, many cities outlawed them, but they are making a comeback as the needs of cities evolve.