Can I Build ADU in Colorado Springs, CO? (2026)
Find out if you can build a adu in Colorado Springs, CO. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Colorado Springs, CO. California state law ensures by-right approval.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — also called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage. In Colorado Springs, CO, ADUs are permitted by right under state law, making them one of the most accessible ways to add housing on your property. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage or accessory structure.
ADU Rules in Colorado Springs
ADU Rules in Colorado Springs: Detached ADU max size: 1000 sq ft. Attached ADU max size: Up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area, maximum 1,000 sqft. Setbacks: 5 ft side, 5 ft rear. Owner-occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement per Colorado HB 24-1175, which explicitly prohibits municipalities from requiring owner-occupancy of either the primary or accessory dwelling as a condition of ADU approval.. State preemption applies: CO law requires Colorado Springs to approve compliant ADUs by right.
Costs & Fees
ADU permits in Colorado Springs: Total estimated permit cost: $1,500–$6,000 total fees. Contact the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department for current fee schedule.
Timeline
Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development: plan review typically 4-8 weeks. Colorado Springs processes ADU permits through its online portal. Construction 4-10 months.
Next Steps
Next steps for building an ADU in Colorado Springs: 1. Review full ADU rules including size limits, setbacks, and parking. 2. Apply for an ADU permit through the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department at https://css.coloradosprings.gov/. 3. Hire a licensed contractor familiar with CO ADU requirements.
Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department
Phone: (719) 385-5905
Website: https://coloradosprings.gov/planning
Online Permits: https://css.coloradosprings.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Colorado Springs property?
Yes. Colorado HB 24-1175 (2024) requires Colorado Springs to allow at least one ADU per single-family lot by-right — without requiring a variance or discretionary review. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement. No additional parking required within 0.5 miles of a transit stop. Colorado Springs has updated its Zoning Code to comply with state law. Apply through Colorado Springs Planning.
How does the military presence affect housing in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is home to Fort Carson (Army), Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the US Air Force Academy — one of the highest concentrations of military installations in any US city. Military personnel and their families create significant housing demand, particularly for rentals and ADUs. Defense contracts and government employment create a stable economic base. Military base closures or expansions significantly affect local real estate. Some areas near installations may have noise or height overlay restrictions.
What should I know about building at Colorado Springs's 6,000-foot elevation?
Colorado Springs is at approximately 6,035 feet above sea level. This affects construction in several ways: snow load requirements for roofs and structures are higher than lower-elevation cities; HVAC equipment must be rated for high altitude operation; concrete curing is affected by temperature swings and altitude; wildfire risk exists along the western and northern city edges. High altitude also means excellent solar irradiance — solar panels produce more power per panel than at sea level.
Are short-term rentals allowed near the Air Force Academy and military bases?
Yes. STR licensing is required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer in Colorado Springs ($150/year). There are no specific restrictions near military installations from the city's perspective. However, STR operators should be aware that some military guests may have security restrictions on staying in off-base accommodations depending on their clearance level and assignment. Colorado Springs Lodging Tax applies to all STR rentals.
Does Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) offer solar net metering?
Yes. Colorado Springs Utilities is a municipally-owned utility that offers a net metering program for residential solar customers. You'll need an electrical permit from Colorado Springs Planning and an interconnection agreement with CSU. CSU also offers a Community Solar Garden program for customers who cannot install rooftop solar. At 6,000 ft elevation, Colorado Springs has excellent solar resources with more solar irradiance than many lower-elevation cities.
Source: Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source