Accessory Dwelling Units
New Regulations Approved
Regulations for accessory dwelling units were approved by City Council on Sept. 5, 2023. Detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were historically only allowed in the Old Town Residential zone district. The new regulations permit ADUs in most zone districts that allow single family dwellings and expand the types of ADUs to also include attached/interior units. Some basic design standards are required. No changes are proposed for the underlying standards for accessory buildings or accessory dwelling units (e.g., height, setbacks). The ordinance approving the regulations may be found in the document library to the right.
Access a handout of the new regulations in the document library to the right.
Need more information? Please feel free to contact staff or schedule a meeting with City staff by selecting a date and time through our online scheduler (External link).
Summary of New Regulations
- Expanding Beyond Old Town: The new regulations expand the availability of ADUs to most zones that currently permit single-family dwellings.
- Expanding the Palette of ADUs: The new regulations allow different types of ADUs, including detached ADUs (which were already allowed in Old Town), units that are attached to the main home (“attached”), and units within the main home (“interior”).
- Design Standards: Basic design standards are established.
- Allowing Under Existing Rules: No changes are made to the underlying standards for accessory buildings or accessory dwelling units (e.g., height, setbacks).
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (or "ADU"), is a small independent living space on the same lot as a primary residence. It typically includes a kitchen and bathroom. These are sometimes referred to as mother-in-law suites or carriage houses. Detached ADUs are currently allowed in the Old Town Residential zone district.
What is the Accessory Dwelling Unit Project?
This project takes a fresh look at the appropriateness and potential locations for different types of accessory dwelling units in Lafayette. It is a temporary step taken in anticipation of a comprehensive revamp of the Land Use Code in 2024. The proposed regulations, if implemented, would give certain homeowners the option to construct an ADU on their property, as long as they meet existing standards related to size, location, lot coverage, and other factors.
Comments on Proposed Regulations
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Who's Listening
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Phone 303-661-1265 Email philip.kleisler@lafayetteco.gov
What is the City thinking? You sold us out by waiving water fees to gain developers. You expect residents to make up the shortfall for your greediness. Now you want to change the ADU rules
for "affordable housing". We moved to this area because of the quality of neighborhood life. The lots here are small. The last thing we need are 20 foot high ADU's, five feet from the property line. If the City needs that housing so badly, give up some undeveloped property and develop that. If I wanted to live in an urban setting, I would have done so. This is a terrible idea.
I live in Lafayette Park on .2 acres. I grew up in Boulder County but am the only person in my family who has not been forced out due to price. My brother lives with us as he tries to start a business in Lafayette, but I'm getting ready to start a family and will need to have the use of my bedroom. An ADU would allow me to help my brother now, and help my parents in the next few years as they are aging and need help close by. An ADU would allow them to return to their home area, but without one, I may be forced to leave mine in the coming years. Being able to make use of my own property to help my family would lift a tremendous burden! Thank you for considering.
I think expanding the building of ADU's in Old Town is long overdue especially South of Emma. I own a property I'd love to develop further. It seems unfair that 2 blocks away ADU's are going up in every alley all over town. I would not even consider renting it out....I need it for family!
Please kindly address impact based on potential short term rentals, rent cost and impact on cost of housing.