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 · Drawings from $997 (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 22.0% — 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 5.0% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 92.0% 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 5.0 weeks. Permit fees in Aurora range from $11,327 to $12,952 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only
11 years in California residential permitting and ADU documentation. This guide was researched and verified against Aurora's building department records and current 2026 California ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Aurora, CO Property Eligible for an ADU?
Aurora homeowners benefit from California's state ADU law — one of the most permissive frameworks in the country since 2020. Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Aurora under California state law. Aurora requires owner occupancy — the property owner must reside in the primary home or the ADU. Ministerial permit approval — no neighbor input or discretionary design review.
Multi-Family Property
Up to 2 detached ADUs plus JADUs (Junior ADUs) within the existing main structure are permitted under California state law. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 30% of Aurora homes are in an HOA. California law (AB 670) prohibits HOAs from banning ADUs outright, but they can impose reasonable architectural standards. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Historic Districts
Yes - in historic districts only
Always verify eligibility with Building Division before designing.
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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. Assumes ~85% occupancy, ~30% expense ratio, 22.0% property value uplift. Consult a financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Aurora Development Services Department, Zillow Rental Market Reports, local appraiser records. Last verified: 2026-05-30.
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
Aurora ADU Zoning Regulations
| Regulation | Aurora Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 650 sq ft |
| Max Height | 24 ft |
| Side Setback | 5.0 ft |
| Rear Setback | 3.0 ft |
| Owner Occupancy | Required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | Yes - in historic districts only |
| HOA Prevalence | 30% of properties |
Data verified recently. 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
$997 – $1,997
- ✓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
Transparent Pricing
Aurora ADU Drawing Costs — Compared
What homeowners typically pay for permit-ready ADU drawings in Aurora, by service type:
| Service Type | Price Range | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | $997 | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | $1,497 | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | $1,997 | 7 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 energy 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 7-day turnaround
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 real project outcomes from clients who used our permit-ready drawing sets across California.
"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."
Client first names and last initials only. Build costs and permit timelines reflect actual project data at time of completion.
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
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 included in the permit set? +
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
Start Your Aurora ADU Today
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