HB24-1152 requires covered Colorado cities, Denver included, to allow one ADU with a single-unit detached home wherever that home is allowed, approved administratively without a hearing. As of October 2026, it also limits owner-occupancy, parking and setback rules. Cities still regulate safety, fees and short-term rentals.
Which places does HB24-1152 cover?
As of October 2026, the Department of Local Affairs says the law covers cities and towns with 1,000 or more residents inside a metropolitan planning organization, plus parts of counties in an MPO that contain a census-designated place of 40,000 or more. Denver and Aurora are named among the subject jurisdictions. Most had to comply and report to the state by June 30, 2025.
What must covered cities allow?
- One ADU as an accessory use to a single-unit detached home, wherever that home is allowed.
- Internal, attached or detached forms.
- Review through an administrative process, using objective standards, without a public hearing.
- ADUs between 500 and 750 sq ft.
- Factory-built ADUs on the same terms as site-built ones.
What can covered cities no longer require?
- Owner occupancy, except evidence that the owner lives there when applying to build or convert, or when applying for a short-term rental license.
- New parking, except in a narrow case where the zone required parking on January 1, 2024, no existing space is available and street parking is banned on the block.
- Bigger setbacks than the house on the sides, or more than the greater of the accessory-building rear setback or 5 feet at the rear.
- A larger lot than the house needs, or stricter style, material or landscaping rules than the house faces.
What can cities still regulate?
It depends on the topic. Cities can cap ADU size at the size of the main home, apply building, fire, utility and stormwater codes, ask for proof of water or sewer capacity, charge generally applicable impact fees and regulate short-term rentals. Locally designated historic districts in certified local governments can keep historic review.
Does it override HOAs?
Largely, for associations in subject or supportive jurisdictions. Read Can my HOA block an ADU in Colorado?
Sources, as of October 2026:
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Accessory Dwelling Units page (C.R.S. 29-35-401 to 405), for coverage, deadlines, requirements and exceptions.
- Colorado General Assembly, HB24-1152 as enacted (2024).