Accessory Dwelling Units

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Photo Courtesy: Tammy Fisher

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a second residence on the same property as a single-family home. They’re sometimes called an in-law suite, backyard cottage, or a guest house.

ADUs are independent units that have:

Their own entrance
A kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom
An address and clear path from the road
Utilities shared with the main home (except for electric)

Benefits of an ADU

Application Process

Step 1

Schedule a free consultation meeting! Consultation meetings take place every Wednesday afternoon and provide a great opportunity to get your questions answered by planning and building staff.

Visit lovgov.org/CurrentPlanning and select Applications and Fees to find the application and checklist.

Step 2

Submit a building permit. Construction can begin after permit approval. Find permit fee estimates at lovgov.org/DevelopmentServices. Click on the Building section and select the Fees icon.

Who to contact

Please send completed applications and site plans to eplan-planning@cityofloveland.org.

Potential incentives

Capital expansion fees are waived for ADUs. Additional incentives may be available through the Department of Local Affairs.

ADU Basics

How many ADUs can I have?

One ADU is allowed per lot.

Where can an ADU go?

An ADU can go on any single family lot. The ADU needs to be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and cannot extend in front of the primary home.

What size can an ADU be?

On lots 5,000 square feet or smaller, an ADU can be up to 500 square feet on the main floor, but a second floor may be allowed to bring the total up to 900 square feet.
On lots larger than 5,000 square feet, an ADU can have a main floor that is up to 10% of the total lot area, with a second level bringing the total up to 900 square feet.
On lots larger than 10,800 square feet, an ADU may be more than 900 square feet (up to 50% of the square footage of the primary home.

Can I ever subdivide the lot to sell off the ADU?

No, ADUs cannot be subdivided or sold separately.

Can I build my own ADU?

City Council plans to vote in the fourth quarter of 2025 to determine whether, as of Jan. 1, 2026, a property owner may serve as the general contractor on the project. Subcontractors are needed for licensed trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.).

What is being done to make building an ADU easier?

In 2024, the state legislature passed House Bill 24-1152 with a goal of increasing the number of accessory dwelling units in Colorado. The law encourages participating municipalities to adopt strategies that encourage construction and remodeling of spaces to create ADUs and to allow ADUs anywhere that single-family homes are permitted. The City of Loveland is working to comply with this law.

How can I learn more?

Development Services is happy to answer your questions! Schedule a free consultation meeting.

ADU Examples

Accessory Dwelling Units are independent housing units that are on the same lot as a primary home. They can be detached from the primary home (standalone structure with utilities connected to the primary home, except for electric) or attached to the primary home. Examples of attached ADUs are:

Above Garage ADUs are above a garage with their own entrance.
Above Home ADUs are above the primary residence with their own entrance.
Basement ADUs are below a primary residence with their own entrance.
Garage ADUs are in converted garages that have changed their use to accommodate a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

Graphics representing these types of ADUs are included below.