From Garage to Guesthouse: Navigating Denver's ADU Zoning Laws

With new zoning requirements, the growing need for affordable housing, and a desire for passive income, Accessory Dwelling Units are becoming more relevant than ever. At Zaga Design Group, we are here to help navigate any new and changing requirements and create a design that best fits your needs.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a self-contained living space that exists on the same lot as a primary residence. ADUs can be attached to the primary house, or they can be a detached structure on the lot. A new structure does not have to be built on the lot to create an ADU – there are many options for converting existing spaces into a dwelling unit, such as an existing basement or garage. To be considered an ADU, the space must have a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. With so many possibilities to consider for how to add onto your property, Zaga Design Group is here to help determine what direction works best for your lot and your specific needs.

Denver’s New Zoning Code

As of December 16th, 2024, Denver City Council passed legislation allowing ADUs to be constructed in all residential zoning districts within the city, creating more opportunities for homeowners. Previously, only certain zoning designations were allowed to have an Accessory Dwelling Unit on their property. This update to the Denver Zoning Code has opened doors for many homeowners in the city.

 According to the Denver Zoning Code, “The accessory dwelling unit shall be operated and maintained under the same ownership as the primary dwelling unit use to which it is necessary.” This means that you must be the current resident of the primary dwelling unit if you intend to rent out the ADU. Both short-term and long-term rentals are options for ADUs, which can help provide more housing density, as well as provide additional passive income for the property owner.

The size requirements for ADUs vary depending on the size of the lot, zoning setbacks, and the existing structures on the property. At Zaga Design Group, we have created turnkey prototypes for ADUs that can streamline the design process for clients. With several options for the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, along with options for a garage, we have readily available designs that fit various needs.

 Check out the ADU section in the Residential Tab on our website to see our prototypes or reach out to us for more information.