Lakewood falls under Colorado's HB24-1152 as a city of more than 1,000 people within the Denver region's metropolitan planning organization. In fall 2025 the city was revising its zoning rules, in part to match new state housing laws, so we check which version of the code applies to your permit.
What is happening with Lakewood's zoning?
As reported in October 2025, Lakewood's City Council was voting on a broad zoning revision piece by piece, covering ADUs, duplexes and townhomes. Some residents organized to put the changes to a public vote. City leaders said state laws requiring cities to allow ADUs were one reason for the update. We track where that process stands when you apply.
Are ADUs already allowed in Lakewood?
Lakewood's mayor said in 2025 that the city's existing single-family zone districts already allowed ADUs and that several neighborhoods already had them. State law now sets minimums the city has to meet, such as administrative approval and limits on parking and owner-occupancy requirements.
What usually matters on a Lakewood lot?
- Lot depth. Many Lakewood lots have room for a detached ADU without crowding the house.
- Split-level and ranch basements. Lower levels with daylight windows can suit a basement ADU.
- HOAs. Colorado law voids HOA rules that ban ADUs in covered cities, but an association can still apply reasonable conditions. See the HOA guide.
- Utilities. Water and sewer may come from a local district instead of the city, which adds a separate tap review.