Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Aurora, Colorado
Required for construction of a new detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a residential property in Aurora. Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (Section 3.3.6) is being updated to comply with Colorado HB24-1152 and HB24-1304, which require ADUs to be allowed administratively (without a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing) on lots zoned for single-family detached dwellings.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
When you need this permit
- ADU must be accessory to, and detached from, a single-family detached dwelling — attached ADUs are not permitted under Aurora's UDO
- Only one ADU permitted per single-family dwelling
- Permitted only on lots (or contiguous combined lots) greater than 6,000 square feet
- Maximum ADU size: 650 square feet
- Maximum ADU height: 24 feet, regardless of the primary dwelling's height
- Minimum 360 square feet of usable private common open space must be provided for the ADU
- Detached ADU setbacks follow standard accessory-structure setbacks, except an ADU built atop an existing garage may use the garage's existing setback
- ADUs are administratively approved via required building permits — no Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing is required under the updated ordinance
- Per Colorado HB24-1152/HB24-1304, ADUs are being extended to R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, OA-R1, OA-R2, MU-A, and APZ zone districts
- Submit via Aurora4Biz.org: ADU permit application form, site plan showing main dwelling and proposed ADU relative to property lines, architectural drawings with dimensions/utilities, proof of property ownership, and fee payment
Required documents
- Req
ADU Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)
City of Aurora's building permit application for a new accessory dwelling unit
- Req
Site Plan
Location of the main dwelling and proposed ADU relative to property boundaries and setbacks
- Req
Architectural Drawings
Design, dimensions, and utility connections for the ADU
- Req
Proof of Property Ownership
Required as part of the ADU application package
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — new construction (ADU classified as new residential construction) | $1.30 per square foot (R-3 occupancy group rate) | Aurora bills a new ADU as new residential construction: assessed per square foot using the R-3 (Single Family Homes) rate on the City's 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table (Form #A176, Revised 01/2026) — the same $1.30/sq ft rate and table applied to new single-family construction, plus the state-mandated minimum fee at the $5,000 valuation tier. This per-square-foot table is the grounded, published fee basis for an ADU; confirm the exact total at application via the Permit Fee Calculator or Building Division (303-739-7420). |
Review timeline
~10–30 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Aurora building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation
Footings and foundation before concrete pour — 36-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Framing
Structural framing per approved plans
- 3
MEP Rough-In
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-ins before walls closed
- 4
Final
All work complete, ready for occupancy
Tips
- Aurora's ADU zoning rules were updated following Colorado's 2024 statewide ADU legislation (HB24-1152 and HB24-1304), which requires cities over a certain population to allow ADUs administratively on lots zoned for single-family detached dwellings. The current codified standards (detached-only, 650 sq ft, 24 ft height, >6,000 sq ft lot) and the current per-square-foot fee are both grounded and cited below; the ordinance is still being actively updated for state-law compliance, so re-check the zone-district list with Aurora Planning periodically even though today's standards and fee are verified.
- Only detached ADUs are allowed under Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance — an attached in-law suite or basement conversion does not qualify as an ADU under this ordinance (though it may be permitted under the residential addition/remodel permit type instead).
- The 650 sq ft maximum size and 6,000 sq ft minimum lot size are hard limits under the current ordinance — verify these have not been further revised since this entry's lastVerified date, given the ordinance is actively being updated for state law compliance.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I build an attached ADU in Aurora?
- No. Under Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (Section 3.3.6), an accessory dwelling unit must be detached from the primary dwelling — attached ADUs are not permitted under this ordinance provision.
- What is the maximum size of an ADU in Aurora?
- 650 square feet, with a maximum height of 24 feet regardless of the primary dwelling's height, on lots greater than 6,000 square feet, per Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.3.6.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-01.
- City of Aurora Development Services Department — Building Division — official building department
- 3.3.6 Accessory and Temporary Uses — Aurora Unified Development Ordinance
- Zoning Code Updates for Multifamily Parking and ADUs — Engage Aurora
- Accessory Dwelling Units — Colorado Division of Local Government (HB24-1152/HB24-1304 context)
- 2026 New Building Construction Fees — City of Aurora (Form #A176, Revised 01/2026)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Aurora building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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