Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations in Lafayette

Max Size- 750 sq/ft

Max Height- 

• Detached: 20 ft in old town and 16 ft everywhere else 
• Attached: Cannot exceed 27’

ADUs are permitted in most residential zoning districts that allow single-family homes, including:

• RE1 (Rural Estate 1) & RE2 (Rural Estate 2)
• R0 (Large-Lot Residential)
• R1 (Low-Density Residential)
• R2 (Medium-Density Residential)
• R3 (High-Density Residential)
• R4 (Multi-Family Residential, where allowed)
• OTR (Old Town Residential)
• T1 (Transitional Business District)

Before planning your ADU, check your property’s zoning to confirm whether ADUs are permitted.

Lafayette has specific size and design limitations to ensure ADUs fit within existing neighborhoods:

Maximum ADU Size

• Detached ADUs: Up to 750 sq/ft of floor space.
• Attached ADUs: Must comply with the size limitations of the primary home and be clearly subordinate in design.

Height Restrictions

• Detached ADUs can be up to 20 feet tall in the Old Town Residential (OTR) and Transitional Business (T1) Districts.
• In all other areas, detached ADUs have a 16-foot height limit.

Setback & Placement Requirements

• Minimum Rear Setback:
  
  • 5 feet in most districts.
  • 10 feet in the R4 zone.
  • 0 feet in T1 zones (where applicable).
• Front Setback: Detached ADUs must be set back at least 10 feet behind the primary residence’s front line.
• Separation from Primary Home: Detached ADUs must be at least 6 feet away from the main home.

Architectural & Design Standards

• ADUs must match the architectural style of the primary home, including roof pitch, materials, windows, and exterior walls.
• Windows facing neighboring properties must be designed to protect privacy unless screening is provided.
• Detached ADUs on corner lots must be oriented toward the primary street or side street frontage.

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• 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.
• Driveways and parking layouts must meet city standards to ensure accessibility and safety.

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• ADUs must connect to the primary home’s utility service; separate water and sewer taps are not permitted.
• If a detached ADU is built, the utility connections must be shared with the primary home.

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• 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.

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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

Building an ADU in Lafayette requires a building permit and compliance with local regulations. The approval process includes:

1. Confirming zoning eligibility – Verify that your property is zoned for ADUs.
2. Designing your ADU – Ensure that your plans meet size, design, and setback requirements.
3. Submitting a building permit application – Work with the City of Lafayette’s Planning Department to submit site plans, architectural drawings, and supporting documents.
4. Undergoing plan review & approval – The city will review your proposal to ensure compliance with zoning laws and building codes.
5. Construction & inspections – Once approved, construction must follow city regulations and pass inspections before occupancy is allowed.

The city may have additional design requirements for ADUs located in the Old Town Neighborhood Overlay District. If your home is in this area, check for additional lot coverage incentives and design standards.

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Homeowner Associations (HOAs) & Special Districts

• While the City of Lafayette allows ADUs, HOAs may have their own restrictions on building them.
• If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, check with them first before starting your ADU project.
• HOA’s can no longer prohibit ADU’s 

Navigating Lafayette’s ADU regulations can be complex, but Kindred Tiny Homes makes the process easy by handling every step from zoning approvals to final construction.

• We specialize in Lafayette’s ADU regulations ensuring compliance with all zoning and permitting requirements.
• We provide full-service ADU development from design and engineering to construction and project management.
• We maximize your investment creating a high-quality ADU that enhances property value and meets your needs.

If you’re considering building an ADU in Lafayette, contact us today for a free consultation, we’ll guide you through your options and help bring your vision to life!

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