March 11, 2025 – City Council Meeting Summary
We’re back with another update on the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance changes in Colorado Springs, and the final vote is in sight! After extensive discussions during the March 11th City Council meeting, City Council postponed the process to the March 24 work session, with a vote scheduled for March 25. If the ordinance does not pass as currently written, revisions will be made, and the issue will be reconsidered on April 8. Recall that this code change was prompted by Colorado State Bill 24-1152, which requires local, “subject” jurisdictions (includes Colorado Springs) to allow ADUs by right wherever single family homes can be constructed.
We have noted key changes since the last city council meeting, so you can stay up to date on how the proposal is evolving. A follow-up update will be issued after the next meeting to cover the final details.
Key Takeaways & Changes Since the Last Meeting
🏠 Expanded ADU Allowance in All Residential Zones
✅ What’s new? No changes since the last meeting.
The proposal continues to allow ADUs in all residential zones, including R1-6 and R1-9 (most common single-family zone districts in Colorado Springs), which previously prohibited detached ADUs. It was noted in the meeting that single family zoned properties account for 65% of the landmass in town, which should lead to a dramatic increase in ADU development after this code change passes.
📏 Size, Height, and Density Rules – Change Noted!
✅ What’s new?
- Rear & side setbacks for ADUs set at 5 feet (previously unclear/undefined).
- ADUs limited to 50% of the primary dwelling’s size (or max 1,250 sq. ft.) – the previous proposal allowed up to 75%, but this has now returned to the existing code.
❌ Short-Term Rentals – No Change (Grandfathering Stays!)
✅ What’s new? No changes—ADUs with existing short-term rental permits will be grandfathered in as previously proposed.
- If you have an ADU and don’t have an STR permit yet, it might be worth applying!
🚗 Parking Requirements – Change Noted!
✅ What’s new? The council is now considering requiring one off-street parking space per ADU after concerns about street congestion.
🏡 Owner Occupancy – No Change
✅ What’s new? No changes since the last meeting.
- Property owners do not need to live on-site, meaning both the main house and ADU can be rented out.
🔥 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) – Change Noted!
✅ What’s new? The council is reconsidering allowing ADUs in the WUI due to fire risk concerns. There is strong support for removing ADUs from wildfire-prone areas, although the Deputy Fire Marshall himself did not seem too concerned about ADUs being built in the WUI. We will see where City Council lands on this issue.
⚖ Appeals Process – Change Noted!
✅ What’s new? The council wants to reinstate some form of appeal process for neighbors affected by ADU development, which the current draft does not allow. This will be negotiated during the 3/24 work session.
📢 City’s Intent: Making ADUs Easier to Build
City Planning Director Kevin Walker emphasized that Planning’s goal is to make it easier to build ADUs in Colorado Springs as part of the city’s strategy to address housing shortages. The revised ordinance maintains flexible size limits, eases setbacks, and reduces regulatory barriers to encourage more ADU construction.
🏛 What Happens Next?
- March 24: Work session to finalize details and discuss revisions
- March 25: First reading and vote on the ordinance
- April 8: If the ordinance does not pass as drafted, revisions will be considered
🚨 We will issue a follow-up after the next meeting with final details and next steps. Stay informed and voice your opinion before the final vote!
📢 Follow our updates and be part of the conversation!
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