ADU Design Resource · Englewood, CO
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Englewood, CO
Everything Englewood 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 Englewood, CO ADUs
Market Context
Englewood has a median home value of $430,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 22% — approximately $94,600 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Englewood rents for approximately $1,200/month in the Arapahoe County rental market , yielding a 5.2% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 93% in this market.
Top Englewood neighborhoods for ADU investment include Arapahoe Acres, Bates-Logan Park, Medical District, Cushing Park, South Broadway Heights. Large single-family lots and mid-century homes make it ideal for detached ADUs near transit corridors. High single-family home density with easy access to South Broadway retail and transit for strong rental demand.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Building & Codes , with a plan check timeline of approximately 6 weeks. Permit fees in Englewood range from $2,510 to $5,119 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only
Englewood's Building & Codes department requires a separate sewer tap or service line evaluation for most detached ADUs, and if your home is on an older 4-inch lateral common in the neighborhoods east of Broadway, South Platte Renew (the regional sewer authority) may require an upsizing before they'll sign off — that's a cost most homeowners don't budget for. You'll also want to check your specific lot's zone district carefully, since Englewood's ADU ordinance ties allowable size to lot size and existing house footprint, and the planner reviewing your submission will kick it back for revised drawings if your square footage math doesn't match their formula exactly. Because STRs are allowed here, plan for a separate business license and lodger's tax registration through the city if you intend to rent the ADU short-term, which is a step people often only discover after their certificate of occupancy is issued.
"In my experience, that 6-week plan check window and $300/sqft figure are Englewood state-level estimates rather than verified local numbers, so I'd call Building & Codes directly and get a couple of local contractor quotes before penciling in a budget or start date — I've seen incomplete drawing sets push that timeline out several extra weeks even without a coastal overlay to worry about here."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Englewood's building department records and current 2026 Colorado's HB24-1152 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Englewood, CO Property Eligible for an ADU?
Englewood 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 Englewood under Colorado's HB24-1152 (2024). No owner-occupancy requirement in Englewood — you can rent both units as investment properties. Colorado doesn't set a fixed statutory review-day count — confirm the current timeline with the Building & Codes.
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 Englewood's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 10% of Englewood 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 & Codes before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Englewood Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Englewood’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 Englewood 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.
Free Tool · No Email Required
Englewood ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Englewood 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 & Codes (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Englewood Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Arapahoe Acres
Large single-family lots and mid-century homes make it ideal for detached ADUs near transit corridors.
Bates-Logan Park
High single-family home density with easy access to South Broadway retail and transit for strong rental demand.
Medical District
Close proximity to Swedish Medical Center drives strong short-term and long-term rental demand for ADUs.
Cushing Park
Established single-family neighborhood with larger lots and good commute options to Denver jobs.
South Broadway Heights
Older single-family homes on generous lots near the South Broadway corridor where rental demand is rising.
Belleview-Cornerstone Park
Family-oriented neighborhood with single-family stock and nearby parks attractive to renters.
Jason Park
More affordable single-family stock with redevelopment momentum and good ADU upside.
Bellewood
1950s–60s single-family homes and yard space that can accommodate detached ADUs.
Maddox
Up-and-coming area next to Broadway’s retail core with solid rental demand potential.
Centennial Park
Suburban single-family pockets with lower entry prices and lots suitable for detached ADUs.
Englewood ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Englewood ADU Rules
Englewood's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 800 sq ft and 25 ft of height — on the tighter side, which narrows floor plan options. Setbacks run tight — 3 ft side / 3 ft rear — which leaves more of the lot buildable. Englewood 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 $2,510–$5,119 — in line with what most homeowners budget for permitting, and plan check takes about 6 weeks at Building & Codes. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Englewood Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 800 sq ft |
| Max Height | 25 ft |
| Side Setback | 3 ft |
| Rear Setback | 3 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Not required under the size cap* |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | Yes - in historic districts only |
| HOA Prevalence | 10% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $2,510–$5,119 |
*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 & Codes before designing.
Englewood Permit Process
Englewood ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
ℹ Timeline and fee estimates are based on Colorado state averages. Actual Englewood data coming soon.
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Englewood
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Arapahoe County. Compare terms before committing.
Local Englewood/DTC credit union offering HELOCs (promotional rates as low as 4.25% APR; standard variable HELOC rates shown ~7.14%+); membership required.
Visit Lender ↗Regional Colorado credit union offering HELOCs and home equity loans (also lists construction loan options and remodel financing).
Visit Lender ↗Regional credit union serving Colorado with HELOCs (page lists variable and standard rate ranges e.g. 6.50%–9.00% on HELOC products) and online application.
Visit Lender ↗Local bank offering construction-to-permanent and residential construction loans (single-close options to convert to a permanent mortgage), with Denver-metro branches including Englewood.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU/renovation fintech: offers renovation HELOCs and fixed renovation home equity loans via partner credit unions/lenders (uses after-renovation value; availability depends on partner lenders in Colorado).
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 Englewood
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 Englewood 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 & Codes.
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 & Codes. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Englewood ADU Package
Engineered for CO Permit Approvals
What You Get
Englewood ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Englewood:
| 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 Englewood 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 $1,200/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 Englewood'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 & Codes. 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 Englewood.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Englewood. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm for the same permit-ready set. Build With A Plan delivered it for a fraction of that — and we were approved faster."
"Conversion permit came back approved on the first review. The drawings handled every detail — egress, HVAC, electrical. Nothing was missing."
"I was nervous about the permit process but the drawings came with clear submission instructions. Approved without a single correction cycle."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Englewood construction data (city-verified data) and Building & Codes. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Englewood Climate Zone & Energy Code
Colorado Energy Code — Colorado requires local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and local amendments may not weaken the code's effectiveness.
Compare Cities
Englewood vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englewood ← you | $300 | $2,510+ | $1,200/mo | 5.2% | Free check → |
| Aurora | $300 | $11,327+ | $1,248/mo | 5% | View → |
| Centennial | $300 | $3,200+ | $2,100/mo | 5.2% | View → |
| Littleton | $375 | $10,959+ | $1,503/mo | 6.3% | View → |
| Greenwood Village | — | — | $1,800/mo | 5.4% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Englewood ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Englewood? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Englewood? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Englewood? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Englewood? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Englewood? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Englewood? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Englewood? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Englewood? +
What neighborhoods in Englewood are best for ADU investment? +
Is Englewood ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Englewood? +
Can I use my Englewood ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Englewood's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Englewood? +
More Services in Englewood
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