Title
An Ordinance amending Section 304 (Accessory Uses) of Part 3 (Use-Specific Standards) of Article 3 (Use Regulations) of Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to height allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units. (Legislative)
Presenter:
Johnny Malpica, Senior Comprehensive Planner, City Planning Department
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs’ Height Allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance revises the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC) to alter a provision to require a garage conversion in order to obtain a twenty five foot (25’) height allowance for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that is attached to a detached garage. This provision was added in view of public hearing dialogue during the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Update process. Since adoption, the original provision has hindered the ability for property owners to reasonably construct detached ADUs above detached garages, which is antithetical to the purpose of the ADU Ordinance Update. As such, this simple amendment both considers stakeholder and community feedback, while thoughtfully revising the restrictive regulatory provision.
Background:
Please see the attached City Planning Commission Staff Report for a complete analysis of the proposed application.
Review Criteria:
The proposed amendment to the UDC Section 7.3.304 must comply with the application review criteria dictated in Section 7.5.702 - Amendments to UDC Text.
1. The Colorado Springs Comprehensive Plan and other plans adopted by City Council.
2. The current conditions and character of current structures and uses in each zone district.
3. The most desirable use of land in each zone district.
4. The conservation of sensitive environmental features.
5. Promotion of responsible development and growth.
Staff finds that the proposed Height Allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance meets the review criteria.
Previous Council Action:
N/A.
Financial Implications:
N/A.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
City Planning Commission was presented this item on October 14, 2026 and recommended approval to City Council in a unanimous decision.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motions:
Should the City Council wish to approve the Height Allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance, the following motion is suggested:
Move to approve the ordinance amending Section 304 (Accessory Uses) of Part 3 (Use-Specific Standards) of Article 3 (Use Regulations) of Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to height allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Should the City Council wish to deny the Height Allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance, the following motion is suggested:
Move to deny the ordinance amending Section 304 (Accessory Uses) of Part 3 (Use-Specific Standards) of Article 3 (Use Regulations) of Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to height allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An Ordinance amending Section 304 (Accessory Uses) of Part 3 (Use-Specific Standards) of Article 3 (Use Regulations) of Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to height allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units.