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Just starting to think about building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property in Colorado Springs? You probably have a lot of questions…

What is an ADU? Is an ADU the same thing as a companion unit, granny flat, casita, guest house or in-law suite? What and where can I build on my property? How do I start in the process? Do I need to talk to an architect or a contractor first, or maybe start with financing? How much will an ADU cost?

We’re here to guide you through the basics! Begin with this overview to familiarize yourself with essential terminology and understand what Colorado laws mandate for local governments in terms of ADU development.

What is an ADU?

An construction and real estate, ADU means “accessory dwelling unit.” An ADU is a secondary housing unit that exists on a property that’s zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use. ADUs can be detached from the main house (such as a new stand-alone home in the backyard), attached to the main house (like a garage conversion), or part of the main house (like an upstairs unit). ADUs include a full kitchen, a bathroom, and a separate entrance.

ADUs, commonly referred to as “granny flats,” “in-law units,” or “backyard cottages,” have emerged as a practical response to the housing shortages in many urban areas. These compact, efficient homes provide a versatile option for property owners, enabling them to make the most of their existing space in several ways. Beyond serving as additional living quarters for multigenerational living or a source of rental income, ADUs can fulfill a variety of other needs. They can offer a private and comfortable space for guests, serve as a home office or studio for those working remotely or pursuing creative endeavors, or even function as a dedicated area for hobbies and leisure activities that require more room than the main house can afford. This adaptability not only enhances the value of one’s property but also contributes to addressing broader housing challenges by increasing the available housing stock in a community.

ADU Terminology FAQs

ADU, granny flat, companion unit, casita, guest house, granny cottage, secondary living unit, mother-in-law apartment, second dwelling unit, in law suite, carriage house, au-pair suite… you may hear any of these terms used interchangeably for an accessory dwelling unit (sometimes mistakenly called an “additional dwelling unit,” “auxiliary dwelling unit” or “accessible dwelling unit”… we like to think they’re awesome dwelling units).

No. City Code does not permit the use of a mobile home or recreational vehicles as permanent residences outside of a designated campground or mobile home park.

Yes. However, there are differences between these types of construction requiring different types of permit reviews and inspections.. Tiny homes must be attached to a foundation and connected to utilities. A tiny home which is on a trailer cannot be used as a dwelling unit, even if the trailer is skirted.

What types of accessory dwelling units are there and where can you add ADUs?

ADUs can take various forms, offering flexibility in their design and construction. ADUs can be built as stand-alone structures on your property – known as a “detached” ADU – providing a separate and independent living space. Guest houses can alternatively be attached to your current residence, serving as an addition or expansion to the existing structure. Or, you can convert existing space like a garage. These options allow homeowners to choose the ADU type that best suits their needs and property layout. Also, each jurisdiction will have different rules for what you can build.

Detached ADU

Add a standalone “detached” ADU to add more space that is separate from the existing home. Each city will have different rules for the setbacks that apply to the unit, which is how far it must be from the property lines and the existing home.

Attached ADU

You can choose to add on to your main home to create an “attached” ADU. This option involves some additional uncertainty since the construction involves the existing structure.

Conversion

You can also choose to convert an existing structure, such as a garage or other building on your property, into an ADU. This process involves repurposing the space to accommodate independent living quarters and could be attached or detached from the main home.

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Considering Attached vs. Detached

As you begin your journey to add an accessory dwelling unit to your property, consider how the various ADU styles can impact your living space and lifestyle. Each type offers unique benefits, whether for guest accommodations, rental income, or multi-generational living. Read our guide for key considerations of attached vs. detached ADUs.

Explore ADU Design Inspiration

When designing and building your ADU in Colorado springs, it’s essential to consider both interior and exterior elements that reflect your style and meet your needs. Explore our ADU galleries, look book, material catalogs, and design guides to find inspiration and make informed decisions for your ADU project.

Explore pictures that highlight our completed ADU projects, showcasing innovative designs and practical solutions aimed at inspiring ideas for your ADU design.

ADU Costs

We offer pre-selected interior ADU design packages tailored to fit various styles and budgets, making it easy to create a cohesive look for your guest house. Whether you’re designing an ADU for rental income or family use, our curated options provide a seamless solution. If you have specific ideas in mind, our ADU designers can also collaborate with you on a custom design.

If you’re ready to discuss pricing and explore your options, click below to view our cost breakdown and find the best plan for your budget.

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What are the new ADU laws in Colorado?

With a series of laws enacted over the past decades to promote ADUs as a housing solution, the State of Colorado has made it significantly easier to add accessory dwelling units.

State regulations establish the baseline for local jurisdictions—some cities adhere to these minimum requirements, while others, like the City of Colorado Springs, have adopted even more ADU-friendly policies. Below are some of the key statewide regulations, but be sure to review your local ADU ordinance for specific rules that apply to your property.

Size & Reduced Setbacks

ADUs in Colorado Springs are now limited to 50% of the primary structure or 1,250 sq. ft., whichever is less. If the primary residence is under 1,500 sq. ft., the maximum ADU size is 750 sq. ft. Minimum setbacks require the front and side setbacks to match those of the primary structure, with a minimum 5-foot setback at the rear. There is no minimum lot size requirement for building an AD

Lower Permitting Fees

While some of the impact fees and permitting fees are not necessarily reduced. You do not have to install new meters which can save on tap fees. If you opt into separating utility services are reduced as it is an additional structure

No Owner Occupancy

Owner occupancy requirements for ADUs are no longer required, meaning you can add ADUs on rental properties.

HOAs

HOAs (Home Owners Associations) and CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) cannot reasonably prohibit development of ADUs. We design exteriors of ADUs to blend with the main home to conform to standards for exterior finishes.

Parking

Most parking requirements have been waived (none required if within 1/2 mile from public transit or car shares), or are readily addressed (parking spaces may be designated on the driveway).

Application Review

After designing your ADU, permits can often be processed within 1–2 months. While there’s no formal requirement for building departments to act within a specific timeframe, the smaller size and simplified nature of ADUs can help speed up the process. Partnering with the right architect ensures your plans meet Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) requirements, helping avoid delays and streamlining the approval process.

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Accessory Dwelling Unit Basics

Creative solutions by professional designers