ADU Area Guides: Denver Metro

Local ADU expertise in every Denver metro city — zoning rules, permits, and rental income data.

Denver

Citywide ADU allowance across all residential zones. Specific form standards and rear-35% lot placement rule.

Aurora

Colorado’s third-largest city updating zoning to comply with HB 24-1152 and expanding eligible ADU zones.

Arvada

Large population, older homes with big lots. One of the easiest suburban markets to get ADU approval.

Lakewood

Jefferson County’s largest city. Hilly terrain creates strong walk-out basement ADU opportunities.

Westminster

Growing Adams/Jefferson County suburb with strong demand for flexible and multigenerational housing.

Thornton

North Denver metro with rapid growth and increasing demand for multigenerational housing options.

Broomfield

Unique city-county hybrid with virtually zero ADU competition. Tech corridor drives strong rental demand.

Golden

Mountain-adjacent with higher home values. Walk-out basements and foothill terrain create unique ADU options.

Highlands Ranch

HOA-heavy community transformed by HB 24-1152. Walk-out basements and generous lots. Douglas County.

Centennial

Affluent Arapahoe County suburb. Older homes with large lots are prime candidates for detached ADUs.

Littleton

Walkable historic downtown, affluent neighborhoods, established lots. Premium ADU market.

Parker

Family-oriented Douglas County suburb. Strong demand for mother-in-law suites. Average home value $560K+.

Englewood

Compact, established community with accessible price points and straightforward permitting.

Castle Rock

Rapidly growing, affluent community. Rolling terrain ideal for walk-out basement ADUs.