ADU Frequently asked Questions:

• What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
  • An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary, subordinate housing unit located on the same property as a primary dwelling. ADUs can be attached to the main house, detached (like a carriage house), or located within the primary dwelling (like a basement unit). They have their own kitchen, bathroom, and living area but cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. ADUs are also only currently allowed with a single-unit primary use, meaning that you cannot have an ADU with a duplex or a row-home.
• What are the benefits of ADUs?
  • ADUs offer numerous benefits, including providing housing for people of all ages and stages of life, creating smaller, more affordable housing options in established neighborhoods, and generating income for homeowners. They contribute to “gentle density,” adding housing without significantly altering neighborhood character. ADUs also require fewer resources to build and maintain than full-sized homes.

• Why is Denver focusing on ADUs now?
  • Denver’s population has grown significantly, increasing the need for diverse and affordable housing options. ADUs are seen as a low-impact way to add density to neighborhoods and provide options for multi-generational living, rental income for homeowners, and smaller, more affordable rental spaces for residents. The project aims to implement Blueprint Denver 2019 goals, by focusing on removing barriers to ADUs where they are currently allowed.
• What are some potential concerns about ADUs?
  • Common concerns include increased traffic, loss of privacy, and potential displacement due to rising property values and taxes. There are also worries about ADUs being used as short-term rentals, which some neighbors view negatively. However, the document points out that traffic impact is typically minimal, ADUs can increase alley safety through increased visibility, and studies suggest ADUs have little to no impact on the value of properties without ADUs.
• What are the current regulations surrounding ADUs in Denver?
  • Denver’s zoning code regulates where ADUs are allowed, with restrictions on height, lot size, setbacks, parking, floor area, and owner-occupancy. Specifically, owners of properties with ADUs must live in either the primary or accessory dwelling unit. Current ADU allowances only covers about 20% of the entire City. The code also limits the size of ADUs based on lot size and includes bulk plane standards that can restrict design and increase construction costs. While no off-street parking is required, regulations exist for parking location if an alley is present.
• What is Denver doing to address barriers to ADU construction?
  • The city is undertaking a project to review and potentially update zoning regulations to reduce barriers to ADU construction. This includes forming an advisory committee with community representatives and ADU experts, conducting focus groups, and hosting public meetings to gather input. The project focuses on built outcomes of ADUs and aims to implement blueprint goals on a one-year timeline.
• How is Denver’s ADU project structured?
  • The project includes an advisory committee of community representatives and ADU experts, focus groups on specific issues, and public meetings to inform the community. City planners will be looking at how the Denver Zoning Code regulates ADUs, how they are designed, how they fit in with different types of neighborhoods and block patterns, and how updates to the zoning code may reduce barriers to creating ADUs. The project aims to evaluate alternatives, draft strategies, develop tools, conduct public hearings, and begin implementation within a year.