ADU Rules in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Colorado Springs, CO. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Colorado Springs, CO.
Colorado Springs, CO permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Colorado Springs.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Colorado Springs: Detached ADU: up to 1250 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 1250 sq ft. Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 7 limits ADUs to 1,000 sqft under local ordinance (this is a local size standard, not a state-law figure). Colorado does not use the JADU concept from California law. ADU floor area is also limited to 50% of the primary dwelling in some zones.
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Colorado Springs: Plan check fee: $200–$1,000. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $600–$3,000. Impact fees: Varies — Colorado Springs charges utility connection fees and may have transportation impact fees. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$1,000 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $600–$3,000 |
| Impact Fees | Varies — Colorado Springs charges utility connection fees and may have transportation impact fees |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Colorado Springs ADU Permit Timeline: Administrative approval process required (§7.3.304.E.1.i); timeline not specified in UDC Apply through the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Department online permit portal. Phone: (719) 385-5905.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Colorado Springs: Front setback: Minimum front setback for ADU shall not be greater than the setbacks for the primary dwelling unit. Side setback: Minimum side setback for ADU shall not be greater than the setbacks for the primary dwelling unit. Rear setback: 5 feet. ADUs must meet zone setback standards. Minimum 5 ft side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs. Colorado HB 24-1152 limits the ability of municipalities to impose setbacks that effectively prohibit ADU construction. Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 7.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Per UDC §7.3.304.E.1.b: one off-street parking space required in addition to minimum required for principal structure; however CRS §29-35-403(2)(a) generally prohibits requiring new off-street parking — conflict between local code and state preemption
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
- Must comply with Colorado Springs Zoning Code setback and coverage standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary lot
- Military installation proximity may affect some zoning overlays near Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, or the Air Force Academy — verify with Planning
- Wildfire interface zones in some areas may require fire-resistant construction materials
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Colorado Springs: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot per HB 24-1152 minimum; local code may allow additional. Multifamily properties: Subject to zone density provisions. Colorado HB 24-1152 establishes the minimum of 1 ADU per single-family lot. Colorado Springs has updated its code to comply. Check current Colorado Springs City Code for any allowances beyond the state minimum.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1 ADU per single-family lot per HB 24-1152 minimum; local code may allow additional
- Multifamily Properties
- Subject to zone density provisions
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
Colorado state law preempts local ADU rules — local governments cannot impose stricter standards.
View Colorado preemption detailsState Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Colorado House Bill 24-1152 (signed May 13, 2024; local compliance required by July 1, 2025) requires all Colorado municipalities with population over 1,000 to allow at least one ADU per single-family residential lot by-right. Removes minimum lot size requirements specifically targeting ADU prohibition. Limits parking requirements for ADUs near high-frequency transit. Creates state enforcement through Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Colorado Springs has updated its local code to comply with HB 24-1152. Colorado does not use the California JADU concept.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Colorado Springs has 4 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Colorado Springs has locally-designated historic districts including Old Colorado City (National Register), downtown Colorado Springs, and the Shooks Run Historic District. The Broadmoor resort area has historic designation. Certificate of Appropriateness may be required for exterior changes to contributing structures. Contact Colorado Springs Planning for historic overlay boundaries. The historic Manitou Springs area is adjacent to Colorado Springs but is a separate municipality. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://coloradosprings.gov/planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Colorado Springs, CO allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot per HB 24-1152 minimum; local code may allow additional.
How big can an ADU be in Colorado Springs?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Colorado Springs is 1,250 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Colorado Springs?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Colorado Springs is Administrative approval process required (§7.3.304.E.1.i); timeline not specified in UDC. Total estimated permit fees are Reasonable and necessary fees established by City Council; available from Planning Department.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs parking rules for ADUs: Per UDC §7.3.304.E.1.b: one off-street parking space required in addition to minimum required for principal structure; however CRS §29-35-403(2)(a) generally prohibits requiring new off-street parking — conflict between local code and state preemption
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Colorado Springs?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Colorado Springs: Subject jurisdiction may require property owner to demonstrate that property owner resides on parcel when application submitted; owner-occupied accessory dwelling unit requirement prohibited except at application
Source: Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 7 — Zoning; Colorado HB 24-1152 (2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source