Thinking about a backyard cottage or a smart basement suite on your West Highland lot? You’re not alone. Many Denver owners want flexible space for family, a steady rental, or a boost to resale value. In this guide, you’ll learn the essentials of ADUs in West Highland, including zoning checks, permits, design, costs, timelines, and rental rules, plus where to verify details with the City of Denver. Let’s dive in.

What an ADU is

An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary, independent home on the same lot as your primary house. Common formats include:

• Detached unit, often called a carriage house or backyard cottage.
• Attached unit, such as a garage or side addition conversion.
• Internal unit, like a finished basement or in-law suite with a separate entrance.

In West Highland, owners often consider ADUs for long-term rental income, space for relatives, or added flexibility for work and guests. The benefits can be meaningful, but you should also factor in construction and permitting costs, site constraints, possible historic review, and changes to property taxes.

Quick West Highland ADU fit check

Use this fast pre-check before you go further:

• Zoning and lot: Verify your zoning and parcel dimensions to see whether an ADU is allowed and which types may fit your lot.
• Historic status: Confirm if your property is a landmark or in a historic district, which can change review steps and design parameters.
• Utilities and access: Check electrical panel capacity, water and sewer connection, and alley access for a detached unit.
• HOA rules: Review covenants if your property is subject to an HOA.
• Site realities: Consider slope, trees, existing garages, and distances to property lines.

You can confirm current city guidance and next steps through the City and County of Denver’s official resources, including the Denver ADU program information.

Denver rules to confirm

Zoning eligibility

Not every parcel allows every ADU type. Whether you can build a detached unit, convert a garage, or finish a basement depends on your zoning district, lot characteristics, and use standards. Start by reviewing the Denver Zoning Map and code resources, or contact Community Planning and Development for clarity on your address.

Setbacks, height, and coverage

ADUs must meet dimensional standards for accessory structures, including rear and side setbacks, maximum height, and lot coverage. These standards vary by zone and lot size. Confirm the current requirements on the city’s zoning pages at denvergov.org.

Parking requirements

Some zones require on-site parking spaces for new units, while others limit or waive parking requirements. Given West Highland’s walkable, inner-neighborhood context, on-street parking can be competitive. Verify whether you must add a parking space and where it can go by reviewing guidance from Community Planning and Development at denvergov.org.

Utilities and alley access

ADUs need proper water, sewer, and electrical service. You may need to upgrade your panel or coordinate a sewer connection, and alley placement can affect construction logistics for a detached unit. Check utility considerations and plan review steps through the Denver Permit Center.

Historic preservation

If your property is a landmark or in a historic district, additional design review may be required. Materials, massing, and compatibility with the primary home can influence approvals and timeline. Learn about the process through Denver Historic Preservation.

Owner-occupancy and rental rules

Owner-occupancy rules and rental allowances can change over time. If you are planning to rent the ADU, verify current regulations, including short-term rental licensing requirements, through the City of Denver at denvergov.org.

Permits and inspections

You will need building permits, plan review, and inspections for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work. Start with the Denver Permit Center to understand submittal requirements and fees.

Step-by-step: from idea to keys

1. Confirm zoning and site basics

• Look up your property on the Denver Zoning Map and identify any ADU-related standards for your zone.
• Determine whether you are in a historic district or have landmark status via Historic Preservation.
• Review HOA covenants if applicable.

2. Talk with the city and sketch a plan

• Ask Community Planning and Development about permitted ADU formats, parking, and dimensional constraints at denvergov.org.
• Outline a preliminary concept that fits your lot and access points.

3. Engage design and construction pros

• Consult an architect or ADU specialist familiar with Denver rules, plus a licensed contractor. Early site walks help surface utility and access considerations.

4. Prepare drawings and submit permits

• Your team will assemble plans for zoning and building review. Submit through the Permit Center.

5. Plan review and approvals

• City review can include zoning, building, and historic preservation. Respond to comments promptly to keep your timeline moving.

6. Build and inspect

• Construction includes staged inspections. Keep coordination tight with your contractor and the city to avoid delays.

7. Finalize occupancy

• After final inspection approvals, set up utilities, finishes, and any rental registrations required by the city.

Costs, design, and timing

Typical cost ranges

Costs depend on scope, finishes, and site conditions. In general, interior conversions like basements or garage apartments can start in the low tens of thousands of dollars. Detached new-build ADUs often run from the mid five figures to the low six figures and up. Local labor, materials, utility upgrades, and historic requirements can all shift the final cost. Get multiple bids from Denver-based contractors and design teams for an accurate range.

Design tips for West Highland

• Match the context: Choose massing, siding, and rooflines that complement your primary home. This is especially helpful near historic properties.
• Protect privacy: Plan window placement, landscaping, and fencing to maintain comfortable sightlines for you and neighbors.
• Optimize the layout: Keep kitchens and baths efficient, and add storage and soundproofing where possible. Separate entrances improve usability and privacy.
• Build for efficiency: Denver codes include energy-efficiency requirements. Many owners choose heat pumps and other electrification strategies for comfort and lower operating costs.

Typical timeline

• Early research and concept design: about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Plan development and permit submittal: 4 to 12 or more weeks, depending on complexity.
• City plan review and approvals: 2 to 12 or more weeks; historic review can add time.
• Construction: roughly 3 to 9 or more months. Conversions usually move faster than detached builds.
• Total duration: commonly 4 to 12 or more months from idea to move-in, depending on scope and team availability.

Renting your ADU

Long-term rentals

Strong rental demand in central Denver can make ADUs attractive for steady income. If you plan to lease long-term, learn about local landlord obligations and any applicable registrations through the City of Denver at denvergov.org. Keep clear lease terms, and coordinate maintenance and access thoughtfully.

Short-term rentals

Short-term rentals in Denver require registration and licensing and must follow local rules. Review current requirements using the city’s short-term rental information before building your numbers around nightly rates.

Taxes and insurance

New living space typically increases assessed value, which can affect property taxes. Contact the Denver Assessor for valuation methodology. If you rent the unit, notify your insurer and discuss the appropriate landlord coverage. For short-term rentals, insurers often require specific endorsements or separate policies. Consult a tax professional about rental income reporting and possible deductions.

Financing your project

Common ways to finance an ADU include:

• Cash or savings.
• Home equity line of credit or home equity loan.
• Cash-out refinance.
• Renovation loans, such as FHA 203(k) or Fannie Mae HomeStyle, if you qualify.
• Construction loans or specialized ADU financing from local lenders.

Lender policies vary on counting projected rental income, especially for short-term rentals. Talk with lenders early to understand documentation and appraisal needs.

When to call Ashton

An ADU can add flexibility and value, but the details are highly local. You can save time by partnering with a neighborhood-focused advisor who understands West Highland lots, Denver rules, and market rent dynamics. Ashton can help you:

• Evaluate zoning context and practical ADU formats for your lot.
• Estimate market rents for long-term leasing to support financing decisions.
• Connect with architects, contractors, and property managers who know Denver’s process.
• Analyze resale impact and position your home to maximize value when it is time to sell.

Next steps and official resources

• Review the City’s ADU program information to understand eligibility and process.
• Check your address on the Denver Zoning Map and code resources.
• Start your permit journey at the Denver Permit Center.
• If applicable, confirm requirements with Denver Historic Preservation.
• Learn about valuation impacts through the Denver Assessor.
• If you are considering nightly rentals, read the City’s short-term rental information.

Ready to assess your lot, estimate potential rents, or plan the best path forward? Reach out to Ashton White for a focused, local consultation.

FAQs

Can you build a detached ADU in West Highland?

• Possibly. It depends on your zoning district, lot size, setbacks, alley access, and any historic constraints. Confirm eligibility through the City of Denver at denvergov.org.

Do you have to live on-site if you add an ADU in Denver?

• Owner-occupancy rules can change. Verify current requirements for your situation with Community Planning and Development at denvergov.org.

How will an ADU affect property taxes in Denver?

• New habitable square footage typically increases assessed value. Contact the Denver Assessor to understand valuation and timing.

What timeline should West Highland owners expect for ADU permits?

• Plan review can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on complexity, completeness, and historic review. Check the latest guidance via the Denver Permit Center.

Are there parking requirements for ADUs in Denver?

• Some zones require on-site parking, while others limit or waive it. Review current rules with Community Planning and Development at denvergov.org.