Interested in AFS/ADU?
While this page outlines requirements for Accessory Family Suites (AFS) and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), varying conditions exist on properties that may warrant additional information and review prior to submitting an application. To meet with a Planner, please visit the Pre-Application Meeting page.
Accessory Family Suite (AFS)
If there is no addition to the primary structure and the property is zoned to allow an AFS, a building permit application may be submitted directly to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department without further consult from the City Planning Department. Questions? Contact the Development Review Enterprise at dreplanninginfo@coloradosprings.gov or call 719-385-5982.
If the intent is to build an addition to the primary structure in order to accommodate an AFS, please check the zone district of your property for the appropriate building setbacks, height, and maximum lot coverage (percentage of the lot which can be covered by a structure). If a new upper floor is being constructed or added onto, please consult the informational handout below for the maximum building height allowed.
A building permit may be submitted to Pikes Peak Regional Building Department without further consult from the City Planning Department if there is no conflict with the applicable dimensional standards. To discuss options or if there is a conflict, please submit a Pre-Application Meeting to meet with a City Planner.
- AFS Application Instructions and Affidavits – signed, notarized, and recorded copy of the affidavit is required with the building permit
- Informational handout for Accessory Family Suite
Integrated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
For properties zoned R-E, R1-9, R1-6, or LI, a Conditional Use application is required. Prior to submitting an application, please visit the Pre-Application Meeting page to meet with a Planner to discuss the proposal for an integrated ADU allowing a second family to live on the property. Note that the Pre-Application Meeting is required in order to discuss the process, timeline, and pertinent information for the required Conditional Use application.
- ADU Application Instructions and Affidavits – signed, notarized, and recorded copy of the affidavit is required with the building permit
- Informational Handout for Integrated ADUs
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
A detached ADU is considered an accessory use and structure to a primary use and structure within a two-family or multi-family zone district. A detached ADU is not permitted within single-family zone districts. A Pre-Application Meeting may be requested to discuss the options and requirements for developing an ADU.
- ADU Application Instructions and Affidavits – signed, notarized, and recorded copy of the affidavit is required with the building permit
- Informational Handout for Detached ADUs
Building Permit Application Considerations
For all building permit applications, ensure affidavit forms have been signed, notarized, and recorded –
- The Affidavit acknowledging the occupancy limitation of one family.
- The Covenant prohibiting subdivision and separate sale of the AFS.
A building permit application will be denied until the completed forms are uploaded or if any portion of the form is left blank.
Note – While AFS and ADUs may be permitted by the City of Colorado Springs in certain zone districts, covenants and restrictions for a particular development and/or subdivision may prohibitions. Prior to submitting an application, review for any potential prohibitions of an AFS or ADU. Covenants and restrictions are not enforced by the City of Colorado Springs as the City does not have jurisdiction over them.
Requirements
Summary
| Accessory Family Suite | Integrated ADU | Detached ADU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone Districts | Permitted by right in all zone districts where a detached single-family home is an allowed use including PDZ (Planned Development Zone) | Single-Family Zones (R-E, R-1 9, R1-6): Requires public notification and approval of a Conditional Use by the City Planning Commission. Two-Family & Multi Family Zones (R-2, R-4, R-5, PDZ, MX-N, MX-T): Considered a duplex | Single-Family Zones (R-E, R-1 9, R-1 6): Not permitted Two-Family & Multi Family Zones (A, R-2, R-4, R-5, R-Flex Low, R-Flex Med, R-Flex High, PDZ, MX-M, MX-N, MX -T, MX-I, NNA-O South): Permitted with requirements |
| Building Configuration | Must be integrated into the primary residence or home addition | Must be integrated into the primary residence or a home addition | Free standing buildings that are separate and secondary from the primary residence |
| Number of Occupants | One family: A notarized and recorded affidavit will be required | Two families | Two families |
| Owner Occupancy | No required | Required within single-family zone district (R-E, R-1 9, R-1 6), and requires a notarized and recorded covenant | Not required |
| Subdivision | Prohibited and will require a notarized and recorded covenant. | Single-Family Zones (R-E, R-1 9, R-1 6): Prohibited and will require a notarized and recorded covenant acknowledging the restriction Two-Family & Multi Family Zones (A, R-2, R-4, R-5, R-Flex Low, R-Flex Med, R-Flex High, PDZ, MX-N, MX -T,): Permitted given that all other applicable codes are met | Permitted given that all other applicable codes are met |
| Documents Required with Building Permit | Affidavit acknowledging occupancy limitation & Covenant prohibiting subdivision and separate sale of AFS | Covenant requiring property owner occupancy & Covenant prohibiting subdivision and separate sale | No additional document requirements beyond what is required for the building permit |
| Minimum Lot Size | Same size required for a single family home in the zone district | Same size required for a single family home in the zone district | Same size required for a single family home in the zone district |
| Height of AFS/ADU | Maximum height of building addition is the same as the maximum height allowed for the primary structure | Maximum height of building addition is the same as the maximum height allowed for the primary structure | 28-feet if roof pitch of detached structure is 6:12 or steeper. 25-feet if roof pitch of accessory structure is less than 6:12. |
| Architectural Requirements | Must be an architecturally integrated within (or attached as a building addition), and compatible in appearance with the primary structure. Must contain an internal connection between the AFS and the primary structure. | Must be an architecturally integrated within (or attached as a building addition), and compatible in appearance with the primary structure. | None |
| Exterior Access | May have an exterior access point, but not required. Exterior access must be to the side or rear of the primary home. Exterior staircases to a second floor must have a deck. An exterior access must be a 36-inch wide clear access path from the front property line | May have an exterior access point, but not required. Exterior access must be to the side or rear of the primary home. Exterior staircases to a second floor must have a deck. An exterior access must be a 36-inch wide clear access path from the front property line | No minimum requirements beyond building and safety codes |
| Parking | One off-street parking space for each unit. May be located within a garage or driveway | One off-street parking space for each unit. May be located within a garage or driveway | One off-street parking space for each unit. May be located within a garage or driveway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my property's zoning district?
To find the zoning of a particular piece of property, visit the SpringsView. Through this application, a property may be searched by property address or Tax Schedule Number and through search results, the subject property’s zoning will be provided. Definitions for the zone districts are outlined in Table 7.2.1-A ‘Zone Districts’ of the City of Colorado Springs’ Unified Development Code.
Does the new ordinance override my HOA?
AFS/ADU codes do not override Community Covenants. HOAs may opt to prohibit them through their covenants. Please check with your HOA for more information.
Can I post my ADU on a house-sharing site such as AirBNB or VRBO?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in single-family zoned areas and have additional permitting requirements.
Please see the short term rental webpage for information on permitting requirements.
Can I split my ADU into its own lot and sell it?
An Accessory Family Suite or an Accessory Dwelling Unit shall not be sold separately from the principal dwelling unit, nor shall the lot on which an accessory family suite or an accessory dwelling unit is situated be subdivided unless subdivision is permissible in accordance with all provisions of the zoning code. In two-family and multi-family zones, a detached ADU may be subdivided from the principal structure if all applicable provisions of the Unified Development Code (UDC) are met.
Can I use a tiny home, pre-fabricated, or manufactured home as a detached accessory dwelling unit?
Yes. However, there are differences between these types of construction requiring different types of permit reviews and inspections. Please contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department to discuss permitting requirements. Tiny homes must be attached to a foundation and connected to utilities. A tiny home which is on a trailer cannot be used as a dwelling unit, even if the trailer is skirted.
Can I use a mobile home or recreational vehicle as an ADU?
No. City Code does not permit the use of a mobile home or recreational vehicles as permanent residences outside of a designated campground or mobile home park.
Do I need to tell the City if I'm renting a room to a family member?
Property owners who rent or provide living accommodations that do not meet the definition of an accessory family suite or an accessory dwelling unit (separate and independent sleeping room, sanitary facilities, and kitchen) to family members do not need to notify the City. However, if the living space being used provides the aforementioned facilities, please contact the City Planning Department to see if any forms will be required.
Please be mindful of the definition of a family if a space within your home is being leased, or provided at no charge, to an individual who is not related by blood or marriage.
Am I required to install separate utilities for an ADU?
A detached ADU may connect to utilities independently or tie into the primary home's utilities. Please contact Colorado Springs Utilities with specific questions.
Definitions and Ordinances
On June 23, 2020, Colorado Springs City Council approved three ordinances pertaining to accessory dwelling units and accessory family suites in single-family zones and multi-family zones. These approved ordinances went into effect on July 6, 2020, and remain unchanged per the new Unified Development Code.
Accessory Family Suites
Accessory Family Suites (AFS) are permitted by right in all zone districts where a detached single-family home is an allowed use. These types of units are permitted within a detached single-family residence and would not be allowed as a detached structure. An AFS can be used as a separate living space as long as occupancy limitations imposed by ICC Codes, including building and fire codes, have been met and affidavits recorded.
Definitions & Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units allow a second family, as defined in the zoning code, to occupy the property. Depending on the zone district, an ADU may be integrated into the primary home or may be detached.
In single-family zones, an ADU-
- May only be integrated within the primary structure;
- Requires approval of a Conditional Use from the City Planning Commission, and
- Require the property owner to occupy either the ADU or the principal unit for at least 185 days of the year. In two-family and multi-family zones, this ordinance reduces restrictions and adds flexibility.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay
The purpose of the ADU-O Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay is to provide flexible housing options in a neighborhood while ensuring the overall character of the development is consistent with the base zone. The ADU-O may only be used in conjunction with the zoning of new development containing residential land uses.