Zoning Guide

ADU Rules in Denver, Colorado

Last updated: Verified:

Denver permits accessory dwelling units where the Denver Zoning Code allows the use. The current rules are not accurately described by a single citywide size, setback, or height number: standards depend on the zone district, neighborhood context, lot area, and building form.

Maximum ADU Floor Area

Under Denver Zoning Code §11.8.2:

Primary use / zoning context Maximum ADU floor area
Single-unit dwelling in an SU zone, lot 7,000 sq ft or less 864 sq ft
Single-unit dwelling in an SU zone, lot over 7,000 sq ft 1,000 sq ft
Single-unit dwelling outside SU zones, attached ADU 75% of primary-use GFA or 864 sq ft, whichever is greater

Other configurations are governed by the applicable use and building-form standards. Always check the specific zone district rather than applying these numbers to every Denver property.

Owner Occupancy

The statement that Denver has completely eliminated owner-occupancy requirements is not accurate for all cases.

For an ADU accessory to an existing primary dwelling in an SU zone district, §11.8.2.2 generally requires at least one owner of the existing primary dwelling to occupy it as the owner's primary residence at the time the ADU permit application is submitted, subject to the exception written in the code.

Height and Setbacks

Detached-ADU height and setback standards vary by neighborhood context and building form. For example, the Denver Zoning Code contains separate form tables for Suburban, Urban, General Urban, and other contexts.

Do not use a generic "5-foot setback" or "24-foot height" rule without first identifying the property's exact zone district and the applicable detached-ADU building form.

How to Verify a Denver Property

  1. Find the parcel on Denver's official zoning map.
  2. Identify the full zone district.
  3. Check whether ADU use is permitted for that district.
  4. Apply §11.8.2 use limitations.
  5. Apply the building-form standards for the property's neighborhood context.
  6. Confirm current building-permit requirements with Community Planning and Development.

Denver Community Planning and Development

Denver Zoning Code

Disclaimer: Denver's zoning code is detailed and property-specific. Confirm the current code and parcel zoning before relying on any dimensional standard.

More about Denver Zoning

Building Permits — Cost & TimelineSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. Denver Zoning Code — Article 11, §11.8.2 Accessory Dwelling Units·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  2. Denver Community Planning and Development·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link

FAQ

Are ADUs allowed in Denver, Colorado?
Denver allows ADUs in zone districts where the use is permitted by the Denver Zoning Code. Section 11.8.2 sets use limitations, while building-form standards vary by neighborhood context and zone district.
What is the maximum ADU size in Denver?
For a single-unit dwelling in an SU zone district, §11.8.2 allows up to 864 square feet on a zone lot of 7,000 square feet or less and up to 1,000 square feet on a zone lot larger than 7,000 square feet. Other zone districts and primary uses have different rules.
Does Denver require owner occupancy for ADUs?
For an ADU accessory to an existing primary dwelling in an SU zone district, Denver Zoning Code §11.8.2.2 generally requires at least one owner to occupy the existing primary dwelling as the owner's primary residence at the time of permit application, subject to the exception stated in the code.