City updating Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance to comply with state legislation, promote housing availability

The City of Colorado Springs is updating its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to comply with recent state legislation and promote housing availability and choice for residents.

ADUs are smaller, independent living units located on the same lot as a single-family home. Recent state legislation requires the City to allow ADUs in any location where a single-family detached home is permitted, and prevents the City from enacting or enforcing certain local laws that would restrict ADUs.

The updates to the City code would be based on the new state-mandated legislation, as well as support the citywide strategic priorities of housing availability and choice for city residents. This includes allowing ADUs in all zone districts where single-family detached dwellings are permitted, streamline use-specific standards and remove owner occupancy requirements. HOAs or other associations would not be allowed to unreasonably restrict the construction of ADUs.

"In response to new state legislation and market conditions we are looking to make updates to the ADU ordinance, but this also provides us with an opportunity to make changes in response to feedback from residents that could create more housing flexibility," said City Planning Director Kevin Walker. "We know that there is demand for ADUs, but we know the current code can make it complicated to build them. Over the next several months residents will be able to provide us feedback on our proposed changes to help ensure we have the best updates possible."

The City will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the National Cybersecurity Center (3650 N Nevada Ave.). This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and provide feedback.

Information on the ADU Ordinance update can be found at ColoradoSprings.Gov/ADUOrdianceUpdate. The updates are expected to be finalized and adopted in early 2025.