Research and Creative Work
In the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver, students and faculty engage directly with our vibrant city, dynamic community, and magnificent landscape by working on real projects that make a real difference.
Analysis of Detached ADU Regulations in Denver
Date: 1/1/2022 - 5/31/2022
Analysis of Detached ADU Regulations in Denver
Student Researcher: Erik Braaten
Client: Office of Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval, Denver City Council, District 1
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Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have been recognized by the City and County of Denver as a desirable housing type to address issues of housing availability and affordability. Despite this, ADUs are only allowed in certain parts of the city, and where they are allowed numerous buildings from regulations exist limiting their potential buildout in the city. This project examines some of the regulations found in the Denver Zoning Code as they apply to detached accessory dwelling units and inventories current opportunities and models future opportunities under different regulatory scenarios. It is found that there is a great potential for detached ADU development in Denver if more parts of the city were opened to ADU development and a handful of regulations are removed or liberalized.