ADU Design Resource · Aurora, CO
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Aurora, CO
Everything Aurora homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Aurora, CO ADUs
Market Context
Aurora has a median home value of $421,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 22% — approximately $92,620 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Aurora rents for approximately $1,248/month in the Arapahoe County rental market , yielding a 5% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 92% in this market.
Top Aurora neighborhoods for ADU investment include Conservatory, Tallyn's Reach, Southeast Aurora, Saddle Rock, Tollgate Crossing. Large lot sizes and many single-family homes with proximity to E‑470 and employment corridors make ADUs practical here. High home values, strong rental demand near Southlands and good single‑family housing density support ADU rentals.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Building Division , with a plan check timeline of approximately 5 weeks. Permit fees in Aurora range from $11,327 to $12,952 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only
One snag that catches people off guard is Aurora's split jurisdiction near the Arapahoe/Adams County line — if your lot falls in a section served by Aurora Water but platted under old Arapahoe County records, the utility tap fee calculation can get delayed while staff manually verify which water rights apply to your parcel. Aurora also requires a separate zoning certificate before the Building Division will even log your ADU permit application, and that certificate review checks lot coverage against your original subdivision plat, which for many 1970s-era Aurora neighborhoods was never digitized, meaning someone may have to pull paper records from the county archive. Budget an extra 2-3 weeks just for that verification step before your actual permit clock even starts.
"In my experience with Aurora submittals, that 5-week plan check figure and the $300/sqft cost are really state-level estimates rather than local truth, so I'd call the Building Division directly and get a couple of local contractor quotes before penciling in a budget or timeline. Also, five weeks assumes a clean, complete drawing set — I've seen straightforward projects stretch past 10-12 weeks once a single round of corrections gets added to the queue."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Aurora's building department records and current 2026 Colorado's HB24-1152 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Aurora, CO Property Eligible for an ADU?
Aurora homeowners are governed by Colorado's HB24-1152 (2024). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Aurora under Colorado's HB24-1152 (2024). Aurora requires owner occupancy — the property owner must reside in the primary home or the ADU. Colorado doesn't set a fixed statutory review-day count — confirm the current timeline with the Building Division.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Colorado's HB24-1152 (2024) — the exact number and type allowed depends on Aurora's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 30% of Aurora homes are in an HOA. Colorado's C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.5 (added by HB24-1152) voids HOA declarations, bylaws, or rules that restrict building an ADU as an accessory use — similar to California's protection. HOAs can still apply reasonable design standards. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Historic Districts
Yes - in historic districts only
Always verify eligibility with Building Division before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Aurora Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Aurora’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Aurora code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
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Aurora ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Aurora construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 22% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Building Division (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Aurora Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Conservatory
Large lot sizes and many single-family homes with proximity to E‑470 and employment corridors make ADUs practical here.
Tallyn's Reach
High home values, strong rental demand near Southlands and good single‑family housing density support ADU rentals.
Southeast Aurora
Close to Southlands and regional amenities with many single‑family lots suitable for detached ADUs.
Saddle Rock
Higher‑end single‑family lots and stable rental demand make detached ADUs a viable investment.
Tollgate Crossing
Family‑oriented SFH neighborhood with lot sizes and school access that attract renters and ADU tenants.
Copperleaf
Modern single‑family parcels with good access to Denver and E‑470, supporting ADU rentals.
Murphy Creek
Single‑family golf‑course community with many detached homes and yards suitable for ADUs.
Village East
Established SFH neighborhood with transit/access to I‑225 and nearby job centers enhancing rental demand.
Lakeshore
Lakeside and family neighborhoods with single‑family lots and nearby amenities attractive to renters.
Mayfair
Quiet, primarily single‑family area with smaller median home values that can yield strong rental ROI from ADUs.
Aurora ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Aurora ADU Rules
Aurora's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 650 sq ft and 24 ft of height — restrictive, which rules out most 2-bedroom layouts. Setbacks run 5 ft side and 3 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Aurora doesn't trigger the extra engineer-stamp requirement we see in higher seismic-risk or hurricane-code cities — a standard code-compliant ADU under the size cap can typically be designed and submitted without an architect or engineer stamp, though any load-bearing change to the existing house still needs one.
Permit fees run $11,327–$12,952 — in line with what most homeowners budget for permitting, and plan check takes about 5 weeks at Building Division. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Aurora Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 650 sq ft |
| Max Height | 24 ft |
| Side Setback | 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 3 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Not required under the size cap* |
| Owner Occupancy | Required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | Yes - in historic districts only |
| HOA Prevalence | 30% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $11,327–$12,952 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-07-12T23:00:00.000Z. Always confirm with the Building Division before designing.
Aurora Permit Process
Aurora ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Aurora
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Arapahoe County. Compare terms before committing.
Local Aurora credit union offering HELOCs to area homeowners; contact branch for current rates and limits.
Visit Lender ↗Regional Colorado credit union offering standard and variable HELOC options (terms referenced up to 240 months); also offers mortgage/construction options.
Visit Lender ↗Denver-area credit union offering renovation loan programs and a Home Equity ChoiceLine (HELOC) with fixed-advance options suitable for ADU projects.
Visit Lender ↗Colorado-based bank offering construction-to-permanent loans and home equity products; one-time-close construction options available—contact for loan amounts and rates.
Visit Lender ↗Fintech platform that partners with credit unions nationwide to offer RenoFi renovation loans tailored for ADU projects; terms set by partner credit unions.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Aurora
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Aurora ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Building Division.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Building Division. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Aurora ADU Package
Engineered for CO Permit Approvals
What You Get
Aurora ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Aurora:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓CO energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Aurora ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,248/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Aurora's building department requirements and CO code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Building Division. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Colorado cities with similar market conditions to Aurora.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Aurora. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"Drawings were ready on day 9. I submitted to the city the same week. The reviewer called them the cleanest ADU set he'd seen in months."
"Our garage conversion is now renting at $1,850/month. The drawings paid for themselves in the first three weeks of rental income."
"Our JADU was the easiest part of the whole project. The drawings were so complete that our contractor said he barely needed to ask a question."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Aurora construction data (city-verified data) and Building Division. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Aurora Climate Zone & Energy Code
Colorado Energy Code: Colorado enforces a state-level energy code based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that establishes minimum residential requirements for the building envelope, HVAC, and lighting for new construction and major renovations.
Compare Cities
Aurora vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora ← you | $300 | $11,327+ | $1,248/mo | 5% | Free check → |
| Centennial | $300 | $3,200+ | $2,100/mo | 5.2% | View → |
| Littleton | $375 | $10,959+ | $1,503/mo | 6.3% | View → |
| Englewood | $300 | $2,510+ | $1,200/mo | 5.2% | View → |
| Greenwood Village | — | — | $1,800/mo | 5.4% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Aurora ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Aurora? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Aurora? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Aurora? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Aurora? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Aurora? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Aurora? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Aurora? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Aurora? +
What neighborhoods in Aurora are best for ADU investment? +
Is Aurora ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Aurora? +
Can I use my Aurora ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Aurora's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Aurora? +
More Services in Aurora
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