Homes with ADU · Colorado

Buying a home with an ADU in Colorado

Colorado passed HB24-1313 in 2024, preempting local ADU bans in cities over 1,000 residents within transit-oriented zones — the law is too new to have produced meaningful ADU stock yet. Denver and Boulder have small but growing ADU markets, typically selling at a 12–20% premium. Most existing ADUs are converted carriage houses or detached units in older neighborhoods built before modern zoning restricted them.

Colorado state-level rules buyers should know

• HB24-1313 (2024) preempted local ADU bans in cities over 1,000 residents within transit-oriented zones — too new to have produced significant ADU stock.
• Denver's ADU program (in select neighborhoods) has been growing since 2018.
• Boulder allows ADUs in most single-family zones, subject to occupancy and parking rules.
• Maximum size varies — Denver typically caps at 1,000 sq ft.
• Short-term rental of ADUs is restricted in Denver and Boulder.

What to check when buying

✓ Confirm zoning eligibility — even with HB24-1313, some Colorado neighborhoods are still working out implementation.
✓ Pull Denver or Boulder permits via their respective online portals.
✓ Verify the unit isn't subject to a recently-adopted moratorium (some Colorado mountain towns paused ADU permitting in 2024–2025).
✓ Check whether the property is in a HOA — Colorado HOAs frequently restrict ADU use.

Considering an ADU-equipped home in Colorado?

Tell us about your situation — we can connect you with builders who know your market and can assess the existing unit.

Buying a home with an ADU in Colorado

Colorado state-level rules buyers should know

• HB24-1313 (2024) preempted local ADU bans in cities over 1,000 residents within transit-oriented zones — too new to have produced significant ADU stock.

• Denver's ADU program (in select neighborhoods) has been growing since 2018.

• Boulder allows ADUs in most single-family zones, subject to occupancy and parking rules.

• Maximum size varies — Denver typically caps at 1,000 sq ft.

• Short-term rental of ADUs is restricted in Denver and Boulder.

What to check when buying

✓ Confirm zoning eligibility — even with HB24-1313, some Colorado neighborhoods are still working out implementation.

✓ Pull Denver or Boulder permits via their respective online portals.

✓ Verify the unit isn't subject to a recently-adopted moratorium (some Colorado mountain towns paused ADU permitting in 2024–2025).

✓ Check whether the property is in a HOA — Colorado HOAs frequently restrict ADU use.

Buying a home with an ADU in Colorado

Colorado state-level rules buyers should know

What to check when buying

Related

Buying a home with an ADU in Colorado

Colorado state-level rules buyers should know

What to check when buying

Related