This is what we once called an out-building in our mountain suburbs. Now, it’s called an accessory dwelling unit.
One of the best things about living in the high country as I do in Evergreen (even if it is only 30 minutes from downtown Denver) is sharing the beauty of our area with friends and family. Whether an extended stay or just an overnight visit, don’t you wish you could offer a small cabin or ‘bunk house’ to your friends for the night. That’s exactly what residents of my real estate market in Evergreen, Morrison, Golden and Conifer can do now.
Extra living units for Evergreen real estate can be very luxurious.
With Jefferson County’s new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) approval, this dream is much closer. Jefferson County Zoning just approved an ADU of a 1200 sf or 40% of the primary home for any number of uses. Of course there are lots of regulations related to the construction, but the benefits are spectacular for home owners with a minimum of an acre of land.
1. The ADU can be attached or detached to the primary home.
2. Windows have to protect the privacy of neighbors.
3. The ADU should match the design of the primary home.
4. The ADU must be permitted and meet setback, height, and parking restrictions .
5. No more than 1 ADU shall be allowed on any property.
6. The owner of the property must occupy one of the dwelling units so you can’t build an additional building and rent out both homes.
7. If the primary and proposed ADU is on a well, the home owner must get a letter from the Colorado Division of Water Resources stating the well permit can provide water for both dwellings.
8. If the homes are services by a septic system, the home owner must prove that the current septic system will accommodate the ADU or modify the septic system as necessary to support the ADU
9. No more than 3 people can occupy the ADU
This is a real bonus for folks who own homes in mountain areas of Jefferson County like Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison and Golden, Colorado. The addition of another dwelling on your property can enhance the value tremendously. Many people are looking for a home with a guest house, or a private, but protected area for an aging parent or grown child. So, now, if the property you does not have an accessory building, you can consider adding one yourself!
If you would like more information, please contact me on the form below. I will get whatever information you need or answer any questions about living in the Evergreen, Conifer, Golden and Morrison area. I have been living in Colorado since the 1970’s and selling Evergreen real estate since 1999.
love to help out …
I would enjoy learning from your experience of building an ADU. I’ve been in contact with Jeffco, and everything is lining up so we can build an ADU on our Evergreen property…I’m just having some challenges with pulling it all together. We have plenty of space in one area of our property, however where we wish to build it, we’re a little tight…would we need or could we get a variance? That sort of thing. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Hi Fritz
I hope you’ve gotten most of your concerns addressed.
Jefferson County has changed their requirements for ADUs Accessory Dwelling Units. The new regulations are:
1. The lot must be 1 acre+ or the minimum lot size of the underlying zone district. The square footage of the 1200 sf or 40% of the primary unit.
2. If Public Water, get a letter from the water district stating that they will approve 2 dwelling units on the property. If Well, check your existing well permit, get a 4-hour well test, and a letter from Colorado Division of Water Resources stating that they approve of 2 dwelling units on the property.
3. If Public Sanitation, get a letter from the Sanitation District approving of 2 dwelling units on the property. If Septic, get a septic permit approved for the total number of bedrooms – primary and accessory unit.
There are numerous other regulations.
Check out Jefferson County’s Planning and Zoning ADU regulations at
https://rem.ax/2M069gN
2.
For more info on building an ADU
Hi Richard. Margaret Stapleton here. How can I help? Looking for some buildable lots? I have several, including a new package of parcels around Northwood off of Stanley Patk Road on the way to Bear Mountain. 14 parcels for a total of about 3.3 acres, not all are contiguous. Others being auctioned in Whispering Pines of Richmond Hill. My number is 303-618-1925. Let’s talk!
Were looking at a property with a small house on it in Evergreen, is it possible to build a a bigger house and use the original for an ADU? Assuming all other criteria are met, size, set backs, etc…
My son just relocated to Conifer Co on Gartner Rd. Is a tiny home welcome on the property. He has an acre. It would be a “granny flat”
So sorry for the late response Linda. I wrote the original article. Congratulations on getting a piece of heaven in Conifer. There are several other conditions that may impact your son’s development plans.
Many topics revolve around having a full acre for well and septic so sounds like you’re good there. Community water and sewer services may impact your plans also. Check with county and neighborhood requirements for further requirements. Call if you have specific questions. 303-618-1925
May 22, 2019
Hi Linda:
I’m Margaret Stapleton, the person who wrote the article. I’m the RE/MAX Alliance Certified Mountain Area Specialist for All Denver Real Estate.
Thanks for your questions. Tiny houses are being built, yes. The important pieces to start with are 1) Jefferson County planning and zoning. 2) HOA documents, 3) Neighborhood Covenants, and 4) Community Water and Sewer, or Well and Septic System.
With one acre you have many options. Let me know if you need any help. Text me at 303-618-1925.
Have an Inspired Day….. Margaret
I have several lots in Kings Valley that have benefited because they have a street address, and have been paying Mountain Water and Sanitation a reservation fee for many years. Both of these lots are small and are in process of getting new zoning for the development of tiny houses.
Hi Margaret,
We are purchasing 2.5 acres in Evergreen and we close at the end of the month. We wanted to know if we could build a detached garage with an upstairs apartment first, and then the primary residence in a couple years. Also, would the sf of garages be included as part of the ADU sf or is it only the living space?
Thank you
I’d like to talk about our 35ac property in Conifer. There are (2) homes, main & separate gateHouse (~1600 sqft). GateHouse has been a permitted structure w/ separate elec, propane furnace, shared well, separate septic. I want to work with JeffCo to achieve ADU status. Property dates back to mid90’s. Can you offer any advice ?