6 Ways Denver Is Trying to Make It Easier to Build an ADU

We’re back with our quarterly update on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) news and updates for the Denver area.  We have updates on neighborhood zoning changes, 6 issues identified by the Denver ADU committee, and a sneak peek of an ADU basement build. 

Regis Neighborhood ADU Zoning Update

The Regis neighborhood joins its west Denver neighbors in new ADU-friendly zoning.  The city council passed a ruling that all lots in this neighborhood are now eligible for an ADU.   Owners still need to follow ADU standards, such as building size and setbacks, but they don’t need to go through the hassle of getting their lot rezoned for an ADU.

This ruling affects 1025 parcels.  While I don’t think it will have a huge impact on the real estate market, it’s an overall trend we’re seeing in Denver.  District 1 city council member Amanda Sandoval, where Regis is located, is pushing for all neighborhoods in her district to be rezoned for ADUs.

Regis joins Chaffee Park, Sloan’s Lake, Barnum, Barnum West, and East Colfax in having blanket zoning for ADUs. We’ll keep an eye on zoning changes in all of Denver’s 11 districts.

Check out our ADU Zoning Directory to see the ADU rules in your locality.

ADU Committee Identifies 6 Main Issues

The Denver ADU committee meets every six weeks or so in meetings open to the public.  They recently identified 6 top issues related to ADU construction in suburban and urban contexts:

1. Minimum Lot Size Requirement
2. Height in Stories
3. ‘Bulk Plane’ Height
4. Building Coverage Exemption
5. Setbacks
6. Re-use of Existing Structures

All of these issues make it difficult for properties already zoned for ADUs to be eligible to build one.  Part of the committee’s goal is to remove barriers so people can more easily build ADUs. 

In the suburban context, many of the requirements don’t take into account the layout of the lots.  For example, there is an assumption that ADUs are built off an alleyway, but suburban lots often don’t have an alleyway.  The committee recognizes that every neighborhood is different, so maybe having just one set of design standards isn’t the best approach.

Check out the link to see the proposed solutions to these issues.

Sneak Peak: Attached ADU Build

I recently finished a build in my to create an attached ADU by putting in egress windows and a kitchen.  This is a great case study full of numbers and photos that we turned into a video. I highly recommend anyone interested check out our YouTube channel to watch it when it airs.

Connect with Us

Our goal is to provide our audience with the most in-depth information on this fast-developing section.  We want to find more people with ADU expertise to join our new panel.  If you have experience building, lending, or investing in that space, reach out to us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

If you have any interest in buying or selling an ADU, reach out to me. 

YouTube Video

6 Ways Denver Is Trying to Make It Easier to Build an ADU