Can you build an ADU in Colorado Springs, CO?
The city adopted a 2025 ordinance allowing one ADU on any property with a single-family detached dwelling, with building-permit authorization when standards are met. Main caveats are WUI limits, parking, size, and placement standards.
Confidence: high · Last researched May 2026
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules
One ADU is allowed on a lot with a single-family detached dwelling. Attached, integrated, and detached ADUs are generally allowed in all zone districts, but the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay only allows integrated ADUs.
- One (1) ADU per lot developed with a single-family residence
- Detached, integrated and attached ADUs are permitted in all zone districts
- In the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay (WUI-O) district, detached and attached ADUs are not allowed; integrated ADUs may be constructed
- Limited to 50% of the primary structure or 1,250 sq. ft., whichever is less
- If the primary structure is less than 1,500 sq. ft., the ADU may be 750 sq. ft.
- Front and side setbacks are the same as the principal building
- Minimum five (5) foot rear for detached ADUs
- Prohibited in front yards; permitted in corner yards, side yards, rear yards
- Detached ADU height maximum is sixteen (16) feet; garage conversions may be twenty-five (25) feet
- One (1) off-street parking space is required in addition to other site parking
- ADUs may not be subdivided or sold separately from the principal dwelling
- ADUs are not permitted to be used as short-term rentals
- Architecture, design, color and materials must be compatible with the principal residential structure
Dimensional standards in Colorado Springs, CO
| A — minimum lot area | 5 acres per SFD |
| A — minimum front setback | 25 ft |
| A — minimum interior side setback | 10 ft |
| A — minimum rear setback | 35 ft |
| R-E — minimum lot area | 20,000 sf |
| R-E — house front setback | 25 ft |
| R-E — garage setback from BOW | 20 ft |
| R-E — interior side setback | 10 ft |
| R-E — rear setback | 25 ft |
| R1-9 — minimum lot area | 9,000 sf |
| R1-9 — house front setback | 25 ft |
| R1-9 — interior side setback | 5 ft; 15 ft combined both sides |
| R1-6 — minimum lot area | 6,000 sf |
| R1-6 — house front setback | 15 ft or average of adjacent properties facing the same street frontage, whichever is greater |
| R1-6 — interior side setback | 5 ft |
| R-2 — minimum lot area | 3,500 sf - 7,000 sf dependent on the residential DU type * |
| R-2 — house front setback | 10 ft or average of two adjacent or nearest developed properties facing the same street frontage, whichever is greater |
| R-Flex Low — minimum lot area | Res - 2,000 s/f/DU Non-Res - N/A |
| R-Flex Medium — minimum lot area | Res - 1,500 s/f/DU Non-Res - N/A |
| R-Flex High — minimum lot area | SF Res - 1,000 s/f/DU MF Res and Non-Res - N/A |
| ADU citywide — minimum rear setback for detached ADU | five (5) foot rear |
Related questions
Are ADUs allowed in Colorado Springs, CO?
One ADU is allowed on a lot with a single-family detached dwelling. Attached, integrated, and detached ADUs are generally allowed in all zone districts, but the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay only allows integrated ADUs.
Full investor analysis
You've seen the general rule. The full Colorado Springs, CO report shows which districts allow ADUs by-right vs. by special permit, the approval path and timeline, and the overlay/flood constraints that quietly kill ADU projects here. First town report is free.
Get the full Colorado Springs, CO report free →More about Colorado Springs, CO zoning
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This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Colorado Springs, CO officials before making decisions.
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