Colorado Springs allows ADUs in residential zones with reasonable regulations. The city has adopted increasingly permissive ADU policies to address housing demand, with straightforward permitting and moderate size limits.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3]
Yes — Colorado Springs allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,250 sq ft under current Colorado and Colorado Springs zoning rules.
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| Allowed Zones | Single-family residential zones |
| Max Size (Detached) | 50% of principal dwelling or 1,250 sq ft (whichever is less); 750 sq ft max if principal < 1,500 sq ft |
| Max Size (Attached) | 50% of principal dwelling or 1,250 sq ft (whichever is less) |
| Max Size (JADU) | 700 sq ft |
| Max Height | 16 ft (detached ADUs); 25 ft (converted garage ADUs) |
| Max Units | 1 ADU per lot |
Setback Requirements [1][2][3]
Colorado Springs requires a rear setback of about 12 ft for a detached ADU, and no additional parking is required. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 12 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Parking Required | No parking required (removed April 2025) |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required (removed April 2025, per CO HB 24-1152) |
| Min Lot Size | None - Ordinance 25-45 (April 2025) repealed the former 6,000-7,000 sq ft minimums |
Permit Process & Fees
An ADU permit in Colorado Springs typically costs $1,800-$3,000 and takes 45-65 days, through a standard permit review.
| Approval Process | Building permit + owner affidavit |
| Review Timeline | 45-65 days |
| Permit Fees | $1,800-$3,000 |
| Impact Fees | $600-$1,200 |
| Plan Check | 2-3 weeks |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Available for select types |
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Construction Costs [4][5]
Building an ADU in Colorado Springs typically costs $130,000-$260,000 ($130-$260 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $65,000-$155,000.
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| Average Build Cost | $130,000-$260,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $130-$260 |
| Garage Conversion | $65,000-$155,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $95,000-$210,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [6][7]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Colorado Springs rents for around $1,600-$2,200/mo, an estimated 8-10% annual return.
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,250-$1,700/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,600-$2,200/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Not typically permitted |
| Est. Annual ROI | 8-10% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half.
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Ordinance #25-45 (approved April 8, 2025) implements Colorado HB24-1152; Colorado Springs is a "Subject Jurisdiction" (state requirements effective June 30, 2025)
- Ordinance #25-45 eliminated ADU minimum lot-size and off-street parking requirements
- Owner-occupancy not required to operate the ADU; an owner-residency affidavit is still collected at permit submittal (procedural only)
- Size cap remains 1,250 sq ft or 50% of the primary structure (whichever less), with a 750 sq ft floor if the primary is under 1,500 sq ft
- Detached/attached ADUs prohibited in Wildland Urban Interface Overlay (WUI-O) zones; only integrated/interior ADUs allowed there
Tips for Building an ADU in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs has lower property costs than Denver; excellent ROI potential
- Military-connected population creates stable rental demand
- Lower cost basis makes it attractive for buy-and-hold investors
- Owner-occupancy focus makes it well-suited for primary residence + ADU strategy
ADU Builders in Colorado Springs
Looking for an ADU builder in Colorado Springs? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Colorado Springs homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Accessory Dwelling Units — City of Colorado Springs Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-28
- Colorado ADU Legislation (HB 24-1152) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
- Colorado Springs ADU Rules 2026 (Ordinance #25-45 summary) industry_guide — Accessed 2026-06-28
- Angi — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — Local ADU Contractor Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Zillow Rental Manager — Market Rent Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HUD Fair Market Rents Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- ADU Ordinance Update — Colorado Springs Planning Department — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Colorado ADU Legislation (HB 24-1152) Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
Frequently Asked Questions
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