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Englewood’s compact lots, light rail connections, and strong rental demand make it one of the most interesting ADU markets in the south metro. Here’s what the rules look like for your property.
| ADUs Allowed? | ✅ Yes — subject jurisdiction under HB 24-1152 |
| Maximum Size | 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary home area |
| ADU Types Permitted | Detached, attached, basement, garage conversion |
| Owner-Occupancy Required? | Not required under HB 24-1152 |
| Parking Requirement | 1 space per ADU; waiver near light rail |
| HOA Override? | HOAs cannot prohibit ADUs per HB 24-1152 |
| Short-Term Rental (STR)? | Englewood STR permit required; verify ADU-specific rules |
| Permit Path | Administrative approval through Englewood Community Development |
| Estimated Permit Timeline | 8–12 weeks |
| Official Source | City of Englewood Community Development |
⟳ Last reviewed: October 2026. ADU rules change. Always verify current code with Englewood before starting a project. View official source →
Englewood is a compact, affordable, and well-located city between Denver and Littleton — a 35,000-person community with easy highway and light rail access. The city’s smaller lot sizes favor basement ADUs and garage conversions over detached structures. Proximity to the Swedish Medical Center employment corridor and light rail stations keeps rental demand consistent. Englewood has relatively straightforward permitting and competitive permit fees.
Not sure if your lot qualifies? The ADU quiz takes 3 minutes and gives you a personalized eligibility summary based on your property type, location, and goals. Take the free ADU quiz →
| Detached Backyard Cottage | $195,000–$355,000 |
| Garage Conversion | $48,000–$130,000 |
| Basement ADU Conversion | $36,000–$100,000 |
| Permit Fees (estimate) | $2,800–$8,500 |
| Utility Tap Fees (detached) | $5,000–$13,000 (Englewood Utilities) |
| Estimated Monthly Rent | $1,600–$2,600/month |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6–10 years for detached; 2–5 years for conversion |
Local note: Englewood offers some of the strongest ADU ROI in the south metro because construction costs are moderate and rental demand is consistent. Smaller lots favor conversions over detached builds — and garage and basement conversions here often break even in under 4 years.
Cost ranges reflect 2026 Denver metro construction pricing. Individual project costs depend on site conditions, finishes, utility distances, and contractor selection. Get multiple bids before committing to a budget.
Official Sources
Rules and fees change. Always verify current requirements directly with your local jurisdiction and utility provider before starting a project.
Answer 7 questions to see your estimated cost range, likely ADU type, and local eligibility — free, no sign-up required.