Denver to allow ADUs citywide
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The city just made it easier for more Denver residents to build carriage houses.
State of play: Denver City Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve a set of bills that expand citywide access to build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, by tweaking the existing zoning code.
Why it matters: City officials and housing advocates say ADUs can provide additional income to homeowners and another affordable housing option, steps that can help more people afford to live in Denver.
How it works: The new laws make it easier for homeowners to add ADUs in the city's single-family residential neighborhoods and expedite the building process by reducing certain requirements.
- This includes removing an "owner occupancy" rule so homeowners don't have to live on the property to have an ADU, according to Denverite. Owners would still need to live there when an application is filed.
Yes, but: It doesn't change building standards for ADUs in Denver, which are still based on the types of neighborhoods where they're proposed.
Context: Expanding access to ADUs has long been championed by Council President Amanda Sandoval, who worked over the past several years to provide neighborhood-wide rezoning to allow them.
Zoom out: The city's measures were prompted by a state law passed this year requiring Colorado cities that allow single-unit homes to also permit ADUs.
What's next: The bills takes effect Dec. 16.