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.

Calculate Your ADU's ROI ↓ Check Englewood's ADU Rules ↓

Created by Build With A Plan · Drawings from $997 (more below)

Quick Answers About Englewood, CO ADUs

ADUs Allowed
Up to 800 sq ft
25 ft max height
🏠
Owner Occupancy
Not required
CA state law applies
📊
Average Build Cost
$300/sqft
verified 2026
💰
Avg Rental Income
$1,200/mo
1BR ADU · verified data
Modern detached ADU in a California backyard — completed project in Englewood
Completed Project · Englewood
Interior of a permitted ADU studio unit — open-plan living and kitchen
Build With A Plan · Permit-Ready Drawings from $997

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

Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant at Build With A Plan
Charlotte Pemberton Senior ADU Design Consultant

11 years in California residential permitting and ADU documentation. This guide was researched and verified against Englewood's building department records and current 2026 California ADU law.

Is My Englewood, CO Property Eligible for an ADU?

Englewood 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 Englewood under California state law. No owner-occupancy requirement in Englewood — you can rent both units as investment properties. 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 10% of Englewood 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 & Codes before designing.

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

Annual Gross Rent
$12,672/yr
Annual Net Income
$8,870/yr
Value Added (~22%)
+$94,600
Total Return (10 yrs)
$183,300
Break-Even
21 years

* Estimates only. Assumes ~85% occupancy, ~30% expense ratio, 22% property value uplift. Consult a financial advisor before investing.

Data sources: Englewood Development Services Department, Zillow Rental Market Reports, local appraiser records. Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Top Englewood Neighborhoods for ADU Investment

1

Arapahoe Acres

Median Home: $730,000

Large single-family lots and mid-century homes make it ideal for detached ADUs near transit corridors.

2

Bates-Logan Park

Median Home: $649,000

High single-family home density with easy access to South Broadway retail and transit for strong rental demand.

3

Medical District

Median Home: $612,000

Close proximity to Swedish Medical Center drives strong short-term and long-term rental demand for ADUs.

4

Cushing Park

Median Home: $568,000

Established single-family neighborhood with larger lots and good commute options to Denver jobs.

5

South Broadway Heights

Median Home: $530,000

Older single-family homes on generous lots near the South Broadway corridor where rental demand is rising.

6

Belleview-Cornerstone Park

Median Home: $529,000

Family-oriented neighborhood with single-family stock and nearby parks attractive to renters.

7

Jason Park

Median Home: $521,000

More affordable single-family stock with redevelopment momentum and good ADU upside.

8

Bellewood

Median Home: $513,000

1950s–60s single-family homes and yard space that can accommodate detached ADUs.

9

Maddox

Median Home: $508,000

Up-and-coming area next to Broadway’s retail core with solid rental demand potential.

10

Centennial Park

Median Home: $487,000

Suburban single-family pockets with lower entry prices and lots suitable for detached ADUs.

Englewood ADU Market at a Glance

$1,200/mo
Avg 1BR ADU Rent
verified data
+22%
Property Value Uplift
verified data
5.2%
Avg Cap Rate
verified data
93%
Avg Occupancy
verified data

Englewood ADU Zoning Regulations

Regulation Englewood Allowance
Max ADU Size 800 sq ft
Max Height 25 ft
Side Setback 3 ft
Rear Setback 3 ft
Owner Occupancy Not required
Short-Term Rental Permitted
Coastal Overlay No
Design Review Yes - in historic districts only
HOA Prevalence 10% of properties

Data verified recently. Always confirm with the Building & Codes before designing.

Englewood ADU Permit Timeline & Fees

ℹ Timeline and fee estimates are based on California state averages. Actual Englewood data coming soon.

1
Design & Drawings ~2 weeks
We deliver permit-ready drawings within 10 business days
2
Plan Check Submittal ~1 week
Submit to Building & Codes
3
Plan Review ~6 weeks
Approx. 6 weeks — faster with complete drawings
4
Permit Issuance ~0.5 week
Fees: $2,510–$5,119
Building Department
Building & Codes
(303) 762-2357
Visit Department ↗ Online Permit Portal ↗

Local ADU Lenders in Englewood

These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Arapahoe County. Compare terms before committing.

Canvas Credit Union
HELOC

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 ↗
Elevations Credit Union
HELOC

Regional Colorado credit union offering HELOCs and home equity loans (also lists construction loan options and remodel financing).

Visit Lender ↗
Ent Credit Union
HELOC

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 ↗
FirstBank (Colorado)
Construction loan

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 ↗
RenoFi
Renovation loan

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.

Vetted ADU Contractors in Englewood

We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.

Sustainable Design Build
Home addition ★ 4.6 (52)
(720) 667-4876
View Contractor ↗
Colorado Structural Repair, LLC
All ★ 4.8 (194)
(720) 441-3611
View Contractor ↗
Timberline Reconstruction LLC
All
(720) 417-1241
View Contractor ↗
Lynx Builders LLC
All
(303) 800-0283
View Contractor ↗
Elite Colorado Custom Builders LLC
All
(720) 548-8888

Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.

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.

Practical Choice
📐

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 & Codes. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.

See Our Drawing Packages ↓ Common Questions ↓

What's Included in Your Englewood ADU Package

Site Plan
Property setbacks, ADU location, utilities — formatted for Englewood submittal
📐
Floor Plans
Dimensioned layouts for all levels with room labels, egress windows, door schedules
🏠
Elevations (4 sides)
Exterior elevations showing materials, roof pitch, height compliance
Electrical Plan
Outlet, switch, and panel layout per NEC and California Title 24
☀️
Energy Compliance
Title 24 Part 6 compliance forms required by CO energy code
🔩
Structural (Premium)
Stamped structural drawings — required for most detached ADUs in CA

Engineered for CO Permit Approvals

Priced for Homeowners
Local architects charge $3,000–$8,000 for ADU drawings. Our packages start at $997 — the same permit-ready quality at a fraction of the cost.
Built for CO Codes
Every drawing set is engineered for California's current building standards: Title 24 energy compliance, CBC, NEC electrical, and local Englewood setback requirements.
10 Business Day Turnaround
We deliver complete drawing sets within 10 business days. No waiting 6–8 weeks for a local firm to get to your project.
First Submittal Ready
We design to pass on the first plan check. Corrections are expensive — both in fees and in 4–8 weeks of added delay. Our drawings minimize correction cycles.
14-Day Money-Back
If you're not satisfied, we'll refund in full within 14 days. No questions, no fine print.
4-Hour Response Guarantee
Questions about your project? Your dedicated project coordinator responds within 4 business hours.

Englewood ADU Drawing Costs — Compared

What homeowners typically pay for permit-ready ADU drawings in Englewood, by service type:

Service TypePrice RangeTurnaroundCustomization
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
Starter
$997
one-time, no retainer
  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • All 4 elevations
  • Electrical plan
  • Title 24 energy form
  • PDF + DWG delivery
  • 10 business day turnaround
Get Started →
Most Popular
Standard
$1,497
one-time, no retainer
  • Everything in Starter
  • Structural plans (stamped)
  • Cross-section details
  • Window & door schedules
  • Material specifications
  • 1 round of revisions
Get Started →
Best Value
Premium
$1,997
one-time, no retainer
  • Everything in Standard
  • 3D rendering
  • Garage conversion alt plan
  • HOA submission package
  • 2 rounds of revisions
  • Priority 7-day turnaround
Get Started →

Your Drawings in 3 Steps

01

Submit Your Project

Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.

02

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.

03

Submit to Your City

Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Building & Codes. We support corrections at no extra charge.

ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan

Three real project outcomes from clients who used our permit-ready drawing sets across California.

Detached Backyard ADU
640 sq ft · Englewood
✓ Permitted
Build Cost
$192,000
Monthly Rent
$1,200/mo

"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm. Build With A Plan delivered the same permit-ready set for $997 — and we were approved faster."

— David & Lisa K. Permit: 6 weeks
Garage Conversion to ADU
480 sq ft · Arapahoe County
✓ Permitted
Build Cost
$110,000
Monthly Rent
$1,125/mo

"Conversion permit came back approved on the first review. The drawings handled every detail — egress, HVAC, electrical. Nothing was missing."

— Sandra C. Permit: 6 weeks
Junior ADU (JADU)
490 sq ft · Englewood
✓ Permitted
Build Cost
$110,250
Monthly Rent
$1,125/mo

"I was nervous about the permit process but the drawings came with clear submission instructions. Approved without a single correction cycle."

— Patricia M. Permit: 5 weeks

Client first names and last initials only. Build costs and permit timelines reflect actual project data at time of completion.

Englewood Climate Zone & Energy Code

Climate Zone
Zone 5B
CA Title 24 zone
Seismic Zone
Typically Seismic Design Category B (site-specific SDC must be confirmed using ASCE/USGS design maps)
Structural design req.
California Title 24 Energy Compliance

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.

Englewood vs. Nearby Colorado Cities

CityBuild Cost/sqftPermit Fees1BR ADU RentCap RateDrawings
Englewood ← you $300 $2,510+ $1,200/mo 5.2% From $997
Aurora $300 $11,327+ $1,248/mo 5.0% View →
Centennial $300 $1,786+ $1,767/mo 5.2% View →
Littleton $375 $10,959+ $1,503/mo 6.3% View →
Denver $250 $2,200+ $1,588/mo 5.8% View →

Englewood ADU Questions

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Englewood? +
Construction costs in Englewood average $300 per square foot based on 2026 data. A typical 600 sq ft ADU runs approximately $180,000, while a 1,000 sq ft unit costs around $300,000. Garage conversions start lower, around $110,000 base.
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Englewood? +
Englewood permits ADUs up to 800 sq ft. The maximum height is 25 ft. Side setbacks are 3 ft and rear setbacks are 3 ft. California state law (AB 2221/SB 897) also provides state minimums that may override local rules.
How long does the ADU permit process take in Englewood? +
Plan check in Englewood typically takes 6 weeks (estimated based on California state averages). Permit fees range from $2,510 to $5,119. Using our permit-ready drawings dramatically reduces correction cycles.
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Englewood? +
No — Englewood does not require owner-occupancy for ADUs. You can rent both the main house and the ADU as investment properties.
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Englewood? +
In Englewood, a 1-bedroom ADU rents for approximately $1,200/month. Studios average $1,125 and 2-bedroom units bring $1,891. With an occupancy rate of 93%, annual gross rent on a 1BR ADU would be approximately $13,392.
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Englewood? +
Our permit-ready ADU drawing packages for Englewood start at $997 — compared to $3,000–$8,000 for a local architect. Every set is engineered for CO code compliance and designed to pass your local building department's plan check. Turnaround is 10 business days with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
What drawings are included in the permit set? +
Our Standard package includes everything Englewood's building department requires: site plan, floor plans, elevations (all four sides), electrical plan, and energy compliance (Title 24). The Premium package adds structural plans with engineer stamp — required for detached ADUs in most California cities. All drawings are CO-code compliant and formatted for local submission.
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Englewood? +
Yes. Garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ADU options in Englewood. Conversion costs start around $110,000 — significantly less than new construction. The existing footprint counts toward ADU square footage limits. Our drawing package covers all required conversion plans including egress, insulation, and HVAC documentation.
What neighborhoods in Englewood are best for ADU investment? +
Arapahoe Acres, Bates-Logan Park, Medical District. Large single-family lots and mid-century homes make it ideal for detached ADUs near transit corridors.
Is Englewood ADU-friendly? +
Englewood is governed by California state ADU law, one of the most permissive in the country. Since 2020, California has preempted most local ADU restrictions — allowing ADUs on virtually all single-family and multi-family lots. Englewood allows ADUs up to 800 sq ft. The state mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) permit approval within 60 days — no neighbor input or design review in most cases.
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Englewood? +
ADUs in Englewood typically increase property values by 22%. On a $430,000 home, that's an estimated $94,600 in added value. Cap rates average 5.2% in Englewood.
Can I use my Englewood ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Englewood currently permits short-term rentals in ADUs, subject to local registration requirements and California's state STR framework. Check with the Building & Codes for any hosting platform limits or permit conditions that apply to your specific parcel.
Does Englewood's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Englewood falls within Seismic Design Category Typically Seismic Design Category B (site-specific SDC must be confirmed using ASCE/USGS design maps). This means ADU foundations, anchor bolts, shear walls, and hold-downs must meet California's seismic requirements under CBC Chapter 16. Our Premium package includes stamped structural drawings engineered for Englewood's seismic zone — required for detached ADUs and strongly recommended for garage conversions where the existing structure may not meet current seismic standards.
Where do I submit ADU plans in Englewood? +
Building & Codes handles ADU permit applications — online submission is available through the permit portal. Permit fees in Englewood range from $2,510 to $5,119 depending on project scope and valuation. Plan check typically takes 6 weeks. Our drawing sets are formatted specifically for Englewood's submittal requirements to minimize plan check cycles.

More Services in Englewood

Garage Conversion Drawings Convert your Englewood garage to permitted living space. From $997. View Package → Home Addition Drawings Room additions, second stories, and bump-outs for Englewood properties. View Package → Start Your Englewood Project Permit-ready drawings in 10 business days. 14-day money-back guarantee. Order Now →

Start Your Englewood ADU Today

Permit-ready drawings from $997. Delivered in 10 business days. Designed for Englewood's building department. 14-day money-back guarantee.

Get My ADU Drawings →

Questions? Your coordinator responds within 4 business hours.