Exploring Your Idea: Accessory Dwelling Unit#
A detached ADU to the rear of a primary dwelling unit.
The City of Fort Collins is here to support you as you explore the idea of adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your property.
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?#
An attached ADU to the rear of a house.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small house or unit that is on the same property as a larger building.
An ADU:
- Contains everything someone needs to live in a home: a kitchen, bathroom and living area.
- Is on the same property or lot as another primary dwelling unit.
- Is smaller than the primary dwelling unit and is located to the rear of the primary unit.
- Can be attached to a house or detached.
Can I build an ADU?#
The answer to this question depends on a number of things.
Two things will stop you from building an ADU.
- If your property is in the Poudre River 100-year floodplain, you may not add any dwelling units.
Is my property in this floodplain? Check our floodplain map. - If your property is in the Urban Estates (UE) Zone District or the Residential, Low Density (RL) Zone District you may not have an ADU.
What is my zoning? Search for your address or check our zoning map.
Otherwise, it will depend on your space requirements, utility requirements, and costs, including fees from several City of Fort Collins departments.
To find out more, select one of the two following resources:#
Not able to build an ADU on your property?#
Learn more about other options for adding a second dwelling unit on your property that may be available to you.
What happens next?#
In order to be permitted to build an ADU, you will need to go the Development Review Process.