ADU Design Resource · Denver, CO
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Denver, CO
Everything Denver 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 Denver, CO ADUs
Market Context
Denver has a median home value of $538,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 23% — approximately $123,740 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Denver rents for approximately $1,588/month in the Denver County rental market , yielding a 5.8% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 93% in this market.
Top Denver neighborhoods for ADU investment include Washington Park, Platt Park, Park Hill, Congress Park, Berkeley. High single-family density, large lots and strong demand near downtown make it ideal for ADUs. Close to DU and I-25 with many single-family lots suitable for detached ADUs and strong rental demand.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Community Planning and Development , with a plan check timeline of approximately 51 weeks. Permit fees in Denver range from $2,200 to $8,500 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only
Denver's zoning code caps detached ADU size based on your primary house's footprint, so CPD reviewers will actually pull your original building permit records to calculate the allowable square footage — a step that trips up a lot of owners with older homes lacking clean records. Also, if your property is on a shared water tap (common in neighborhoods like Berkeley or Sunnyside built before 1950), Denver Water will require you to upgrade to a separate tap line before they'll sign off, which can add $8,000–$15,000 and several weeks of coordination outside the normal permit timeline. Since STRs are allowed, plan for a separate STR license application through Denver's Excise and Licenses office after your certificate of occupancy — it's a distinct process that doesn't start until construction is fully closed out.
"In my 11 years pulling ADU permits in Denver, that 51-week timeline feels heavy for a straightforward build and likely reflects a worst-case queue rather than the norm — but I've also seen the $250/sqft figure undershoot reality once site conditions and finish selections come into play, so treat both as state-level estimates and get a couple of local contractor bids plus a call to Denver CPD before you budget or schedule around them."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Denver's building department records and current 2026 Colorado's HB24-1152 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Denver, CO Property Eligible for an ADU?
Denver 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 Denver under Colorado's HB24-1152 (2024). Denver 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 Community Planning and Development.
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 Denver's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 46% of Denver 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 Community Planning and Development before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Denver Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Denver’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 Denver 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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Denver ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Denver 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 × 23% 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: Community Planning and Development (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Denver Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Washington Park
High single-family density, large lots and strong demand near downtown make it ideal for ADUs.
Platt Park
Close to DU and I-25 with many single-family lots suitable for detached ADUs and strong rental demand.
Park Hill
Large older single-family lots and proximity to City Park and hospitals support ADU rentals.
Congress Park
Established single-family blocks near downtown and hospitals with steady rental demand.
Berkeley
Larger lots, family-oriented area near job centers and transit (Ruta 16/Westminster corridor) support ADUs.
Highland (LoHi)
Close-in neighborhood with many SFHs, strong rental market and good lot sizes in older blocks.
Baker
Inner-south neighborhood with many single-family parcels and high rental demand near downtown.
Capitol Hill
High rental demand and mixed housing stock make ADUs attractive for rental income despite smaller lots.
Five Points
Near downtown and transit with growing rental demand and pockets of SFHs suitable for ADUs.
Central Park (Stapleton)
Newer single-family neighborhoods with larger lots and families create demand for accessory units.
Denver ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Denver ADU Rules
Denver's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,000 sq ft and 24 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run wide — 3 ft side / 12 ft rear — which pushes the buildable envelope toward the center of the lot. Denver 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 $2,200–$8,500 — in line with what most homeowners budget for permitting, and plan check takes about 51 weeks at Community Planning and Development. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Denver Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Max Height | 24 ft |
| Side Setback | 3 ft |
| Rear Setback | 12 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 | 46% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $2,200–$8,500 |
*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 Community Planning and Development before designing.
Denver Permit Process
Denver ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Denver
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Denver County. Compare terms before committing.
Offers HELOCs for Colorado homeowners to tap home equity — typically used for home improvements and renovations.
Visit Lender ↗Bellco ChoiceLine HELOC for home improvements and renovations; calculators and fixed-rate subaccount options available.
Visit Lender ↗Ent offers HELOC and home-equity options in Colorado suitable for renovations and ADU projects.
Visit Lender ↗Colorado-based bank offering HELOCs and construction/land loans with local decision-making — suitable for ADU builds.
Visit Lender ↗RenoFi partners with credit unions nationwide (including Colorado partners) to deliver renovation loans and HELOC/HELOAN products for ADU projects.
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 Denver
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 Denver 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 Community Planning and Development.
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 Community Planning and Development. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Denver ADU Package
Engineered for CO Permit Approvals
What You Get
Denver ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Denver:
| 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 Denver 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 $1,588/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 Denver'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 Community Planning and Development. 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 Denver.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Denver. 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 Denver construction data (city-verified data) and Community Planning and Development. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Denver Climate Zone & Energy Code
Colorado Energy Code (2021 IECC) — Colorado state law requires local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; ADUs must comply with the applicable provisions of that code (envelope, HVAC, lighting, and efficiency requirements) as adopted locally.
Compare Cities
Denver vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver ← you | $250 | $2,200+ | $1,588/mo | 5.8% | Free check → |
| Colorado Springs | $300 | $2,200+ | $1,095/mo | 5.3% | View → |
| Aurora | $300 | $11,327+ | $1,248/mo | 5% | View → |
| Fort Collins | $300 | $10,320+ | $1,620/mo | 5.5% | View → |
| Lakewood | $225 | $3,238+ | $1,628/mo | 5.5% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Denver ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Denver? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Denver? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Denver? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Denver? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Denver? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Denver? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Denver? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Denver? +
What neighborhoods in Denver are best for ADU investment? +
Is Denver ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Denver? +
Can I use my Denver ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Denver has a high HOA rate (46%) — do I need HOA approval for an ADU? +
Does Denver's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Denver? +
More Services in Denver
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