Why is This Important?

ADUs are often affordable alternatives to apartments or other types of housing. Tracking the number of ADUs will allow the county to evaluate the effectiveness of the current ADU regulations. 

What Does It Mean?

Since the regulations went into effect September 12, 2023, the County has received 23 completed ADU applications, and six temporary applications filed in 2025 that are in various stages of completion. To date, only one ADU has been completed and a certificate of occupancy issued. One application was issued a permit in May 2025 and is nearing completion. Six applications are in review and another four have expired due to applicant or owner inaction.

Definition

This measure tracks the number of new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Only those ADUs which have been issued a Certificate of Occupancy are included in this measure. Accessory dwelling units may be separate, detached structures, internal to a structure, or constructed as additions to the main structure.