Can you build an ADU in Denver, CO?
Denver has an official map showing residential and mixed-use commercial Denver Zoning Code districts that allow ADUs tied to a primary single-unit dwelling. Feasibility depends on the exact zone district and whether the parcel is under the Denver Zoning Code or Former Chapter 59.
Confidence: medium · Last researched May 2026
ADU rules
ADUs are allowed in mapped Denver Zoning Code residential and mixed-use commercial districts when associated with a primary single-unit dwelling.
- Must be associated with a primary single unit dwelling
- Use Denver's official ADU map to identify Denver Zoning Code districts shown as allowing ADUs
- Additional zone districts, including Former Chapter 59 zones, may allow ADUs but are not shown on the map
Dimensional standards in Denver, CO
| Districts using lot-size suffix A — minimum zone lot size | 3,000 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix B — minimum zone lot size | 4,500 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix C — minimum zone lot size | 5,500 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix D — minimum zone lot size | 6,000 — Example: E-SU-DX includes D = 6,000. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix E — minimum zone lot size | 7,000 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix F — minimum zone lot size | 8,500 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix G — minimum zone lot size | 9,000 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix H — minimum zone lot size | 10,000 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
| Districts using lot-size suffix I — minimum zone lot size | 12,000 — Value is presented on the city zone descriptions page as square footage. |
Related questions
Are ADUs allowed in Denver, CO?
ADUs are allowed in mapped Denver Zoning Code residential and mixed-use commercial districts when associated with a primary single-unit dwelling.
Full investor analysis
You've seen the general rule. The full Denver, 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 Denver, CO report free →More about Denver, 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 Denver, CO officials before making decisions.
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