What’s an ADU? An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit which adds a dwelling unit to a zone lot. For example, most zone lots in our neighborhood are zoned for a Single Unit, or single family dwelling. A few duplexes are zoned for Two Units. And although our neighborhood zone district (which is generally U-SU-C – Urban-Single Unit) is not zoned to allow ADUs, the city has released a survey related to impediments to building or concerns about ADUs.
We encourage you to take this survey to share your input with Community Planning and Development:Â
Take the ADUs in Denver Survey by May 31
From the Denver Community Planning and Development:
Tell us about your experience with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The ADUs in Denver project is looking at ways to make building ADUs easier through zoning changes. This project won’t rezone any properties. It will look at how ADUs are designed, how they fit in with different types of neighborhoods and block patterns, and other changes that can remove barriers to building them.
In order for the project to ultimately recommend changes to the zoning code, first we need to know what are the issues Denverites are experiencing with building ADUs, or having ADUs built in their neighborhoods. That’s why we want to hear from you!
Other opportunities to get involved
The ADUs in Denver Community Advisory Committee meets the first Thursday of the month. These meetings are for advisory committee members, but the public is invited and welcome to observe. You can register to attend the upcoming meeting below.Â
ADUs in Denver Advisory Committee Meeting #3
4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2022
You can also submit a question or comment at any time to the project team.
Why are we doing this work?
In 2019, the Denver City Council adopted Blueprint Denver, a citywide land use plan that was developed based on public input. Thousands of residents helped create the policy recommendations in Blueprint Denver, which includes specific recommendations regarding ADUs:
- that barriers to ADU construction be removed,Â
- that zoning rules be reviewed and adjusted so ADUs fit into a variety of neighborhood contexts.Â
ADUs can be a great way to increase affordable housing options, keep families living on the same property, and add gentle density to a neighborhood.Â