ARVADA — With aging baby boomers, young adults and tough economic times, accessory dwelling units are the coming thing.
People are carving out space in garages, backyard cottages, basements, attics and additions for the dwelling units officially known as ADUs and better known as “granny flats” and “mother-in-law suites.”
Arvada, which is hosting two free workshops on the option, is one of a handful of Colorado cities to allow ADUs in single-family zoning areas — except where prohibited by covenants.
Certain circumstances apply, such as requiring the property owner to live on the property and the units to have separate bathroom and kitchen facilities.
“With aging parents, nursing homes are so expensive and adult children sometimes can’t afford to leave home,” said Shalisa Daugherty of Arvada’s community development office.
“I don’t think they are for everyone,” said Tim Carl, Jefferson County’s development and transportation director. But with households hurting from a sour economy, “we probably are going to see an increase.”
Jefferson County began allowing ADUs in December 2006. Since then, four ADU applications have been received. Of those, one was withdrawn, one was approved in the county’s plains portion and two have gone ahead in the foothills.
ADUs have been legal in Arvada since July 2007, but only three people have applied, Daugherty said. So the city decided to hold two workshops to give homeowners more information.
An introductory workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Arvada City Hall, 8101 Ralston Road, with a hands-on workshop planned at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 10001 W. 58th Ave.
For more information or to RSVP, call 720-898-7464.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
