ADUs in Denver

Introduction

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are self-contained, smaller living spaces that are an extension of an existing property. An ADU has its own kitchen, bath and sleeping area but is not considered a separate property that could be sold on its own. Learn more about ADUs, their history in Denver, and what they look like today.

In 2019, the city updated Blueprint Denver, its land use and transportation plan. Blueprint Denver calls for the city to remove barriers to ADU construction and to review and adjust zoning rules so ADUs fit into a variety of neighborhood contexts. This project will not rezone any properties. It will look at how ADUs are designed, how they fit in with different types of neighborhoods and block patterns, and how updates to the zoning code may reduce barriers to creating ADUs.

As part of this project’s public outreach strategy, we want to learn more about your experience with ADUs, the concerns and challenges associated with building them, how they fit into different neighborhoods, and what you think might make it easier to build them. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Question Title

* 1. What has been your experience with ADUs? (Check all that apply)

I have built an ADU on my property, which was already zoned to allow ADUs.

I rezoned my property to allow ADUs and built an ADU on my property.

I rezoned my property to allow ADUs, but I did not end up building an ADU.

I went through the process to rezone my property to allow ADUs but did not finish the process.

I rent out an ADU (long-term: lease term is at least one month or longer)

I rent out an ADU (short-term: lease term is less than one month)

I live in an ADU

My neighbor built an ADU on their property.

I live in a neighborhood where ADUs are allowed.

I live in a neighborhood where ADUs are not allowed.

I am a designer.

I am a builder.

Other (please specify):

Question Title

* 2. If you rezoned your property to allow ADUs but did not end up building an ADU, why did you not end up building an ADU? (skip if irrelevant)

Question Title

* 3. If you went through the process to rezone your property to allow ADUs but did not finish the process, what is the reason you did not complete the process? What part of the process was the most challenging?

The ADUs in Denver project has organized potential issues into four general categories.
1. Impact on Neighbors/Community (including issues such as parking, privacy, neighborhood fit, potential displacement)
2. Design/Construction/Buildability (including issues such as permitting, minimum lot size, minimum square footage, building form, accessibility)
3. Cost and Affordability (including issues such as cost of construction, cost of infrastructure, cost to rent)
4. Use and Use Allowances (including issues such as whether duplexes and multifamily properties can have an ADU if their zoning allows)

Question Title

* 4. To what extent do you agree that these four general categories represent the issues correctly?

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

Question Title

* 5. Are we missing anything from the categories and issues identified above?

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14% of survey complete.