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The ADUs in Denver project aims to remove barriers to building ADUs that are caused by outdated zoning code regulations and consider ways they can fit better in different neighborhoods – which means some information covered will be technical. The project will not rezone any properties. Through feedback received from the project’s community advisory committee, a public survey, focus groups, and recommendations in citywide plans, some issues identified include:
Minimum Lot Size Requirements: ADUs are only allowed on properties that meet minimum lot size requirements even if the property is zoned to allow an ADU. Minimum lot size requirements vary throughout the city, which makes this regulation unpredictable and confusing for property owners.
Bulk Plane Requirements: A bulk plane is an imaginary, three-dimensional plane that dictates how much space a building can take up on a lot. For ADUs, the bulk plane impacts the slope of its roof, which can greatly impact the habitable space inside and also increase construction costs.
Reuse of Existing Structures: Many people would like to convert an existing structure, such as a garage, into an ADU to save on construction costs and be more sustainable. The zoning code only allows such a conversion when the ADU meets all the rules for a new ADU (setbacks, height, etc.), which can make it difficult to convert existing structures that often do not meet all of these requirements.
Use Allowances: ADUs are allowed in a variety of zone districts, but are only permitted as accessory to a primary single unit dwelling. This means that some buildings like row homes or duplexes are zoned to allow ADUs but cannot build them. Blueprint Denver, the city’s land use and transportation plan, recommends allowing ADUs as accessory to more uses than single-unit homes.
Share your thoughts on these and other topics at the open house in person or online.
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