On May 22, 2020, the Colorado Springs City Planning Department presented 3 separate ADU (accessory dwelling unit) ordinances to City Council. These ordinances will be voted on by City Council on June 9. 2020. Here is a summary of the 3 ordinances:
Ordinance 1.1 – Accessory Family Suites
This ordinance proposes that all single-family zoned properties in Colorado Springs will be permitted to add an Accessory Family Suite (AFS). These units will be required to be attached to the primary structure (an internal connection is required), and will allow homeowners to build a second living unit on their property that contains a kitchen, a bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Previous to this ordinance, homeowners were not permitted to add a second kitchen to their home without signing a “Second Kitchen Compliance Affidavit” stating that they would not use the second kitchen in a unit that would be rented or leased. Adding an AFS to your property will not expand the number of occupants permitted to be in your home above the “1 family” requirement for single-family zoning in Colorado Springs (a “Family” is essentially defined as a group of related people or up to 5 unrelated persons). The intention for AFS’s is that they would be used to house family members (think “Mother-in-law suite”), though if you have a small number of people occupying the primary residence, you could also have a small number of unrelated people occupying/renting the AFS. These units will not be able to be subdivided i.e. sold separately from the primary structure, and they do not require the owner to occupy the primary residence.
Ordinance 1.2 – Integrated Accessory Dwelling Units
This proposed ordinance will allow single-family zoned properties to have an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” (ADU) added to their property, but will require a conditional use permit to do so (this is a public process in which all property owners within 1000 feet of your property receive notice of your plan to build an ADU and are given the opportunity to voice any questions/concerns to the Planning Department prior to your ADU being approved). Like the AFS, these units must be attached to the primary structure, though no internal connection will be required. In contrast to the AFS, an ADU will increase the number of families that can occupy your property from 1 to 2. However, adding an ADU will require that the 2 units are separated by a minimum 1-hour firewall, and have separate mechanical systems (HVAC, Plumbing, Electric) – this is not required for an AFS. These units will not be able to be subdivided and owner occupancy of the primary dwelling unit is required for ADUs. This ordinance also lessens some of the requirements for R-2 properties in terms of adding detached ADUs.
Ordinance 1.3 – ADU Overlay Zone
Essentially, this proposed ordinance will allow developers the option to create an ADU overlay zone for new developments that will allow ADUs across the entire zone. This ordinance will allow for a more flexible and housing-friendly future for Colorado Springs’ residential developments.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of the latest news regarding the progress of the ADU process in Colorado Springs.
You can also find more information at https://coloradosprings.gov/adu.
Recent Comments