Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations in Arvada

Arvada allows ADUs in all residential zone districts as long as a detached single-family home exists on the lot. Each district has specific development standards, including maximum lot coverage and setback requirements.

ADU Size Based on Lot Size:

• Lot Size: 6,000 sq. ft. or less - Maximum ADU Size: 600 sq. ft
• ‍Lot Size: 6,000 – 12,499 sq. ft. - Maximum ADU Size: 850 sq. ft
• ‍Lot Size: 12,500 sq. ft. – 1 acre - Maximum ADU Size: 1,000 sq. ft.
• Lot Size: Greater than 1 acre - Maximum ADU Size: 1,200 sq. ft

Type A (Detached ADUs) must be set back at least 10 feet behind the main home’s façade on corner lots.

Type B (Attached ADUs) are limited to 50% of the floor area of the primary home when built within the existing structure, such as in a basement.

Under HB 24-1152, all ADU approvals must be handled administratively, meaning there are:

• No public hearings
• No subjective design reviews
• No neighborhood approval required

ADU Review Time:

• ‍ADU Type: Detached ADU - Approval Time: ~ 3 weeks
• ‍ADU Type: Attached ADU - Approval Time: ~ 1 - 2 weeks

Homeowner’s Association(HOA) Approval: If your home is in an HOA-regulated community, you must obtain HOA approval before submitting for city permits. An approved city permit does not override HOA rules.

HB 24-1152 requires cities to allow ADUs without designated parking, except in these cases:

• If no parking is currently required for the primary home, parking cannot be required for the ADU.
• If the lot does not have an existing parking space for the primary home, no additional parking is required.

ADUs must be connected to the primary residence’s utilities - separate water and sewer services are not allowed.

Under HB 24-1152:

• HB 24-1152 prohibits cities from requiring owner occupancy meaning ADUs can be rented out separately from the primary home.
• ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main home—they must remain part of the same lot.
• Short-term rentals (STRs) are still prohibited, except in Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) where STRs were previously allowed.
• Long-term rentals (30+ days) are allowed.
• Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) are subject to additional regulations and permits.

ADU permit fees are based on:

• ADU permit fees are based on either total square footage or contract value, whichever is greater.
• Once an ADU permit is approved and issued, the property will be re-addressed as Unit A (primary home) and Unit B (ADU) for record-keeping purposes.

Navigating ADU regulations can be complex, but at Kindred Tiny Homes, we handle the entire process for you. From design and permitting to construction and final inspections, we ensure your ADU is code-compliant, functional, and beautifully integrated into your property.