Design Review for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) proposed on individual landmark properties and properties within a historic district to ensure consistency with the appropriate design guidelines.

Before you begin

The following materials are not allowed for accessory structures in historic districts or on individual landmark properties:

  • Siding: T-111 siding, molded plastic siding, vinyl siding, and aluminum siding, thin brick veneer, stucco less than 7/8” thick, EIFS, materials with a faux-grain wood texture
  • Windows: Vinyl windows, windows with only internal muntins or glued-on muntins. 

For more information about appropriate materials, review the design guidelines below.

Schedule your pre-application meeting

All accessory dwelling units (ADUs) require a pre-application review meeting. 

To request a pre-application meeting, email the pre-application form(PDF, 139KB) and all required information to landmark@denvergov.org.

 

Registered Neighborhood Organization Review

For ADUs in historic districts with a registered neighborhood organization (RNO) that has completed design review training, applicants must present their proposed ADU to the RNO before submitting a complete application to the Landmark Preservation Commission. During the pre-application meeting, Landmark staff will confirm if a qualifying RNO exists and will provide a referral. 

For more information, download the Registered Neighborhood Organization Policy(PDF, 573KB).

 

Landmark Preservation Commission Review

All new ADUs in historic districts and at individual landmark properties must be reviewed and approved by the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). The Commission typically meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Meetings are held in Room 4.F.6 of the Webb Municipal Building (201 West Colfax Avenue) and are also accessible via Zoom for applicants and members of the public. For more information, visit the LPC webpage. 

 

Design Guidelines

The Landmark Preservation Commission uses design guidelines to review all ADUs in historic districts and at individual landmark sites. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed ADU fits the surrounding historic context. Most ADUs will be reviewed with Chapter 4: Guidelines for New Buildings and Non-Contributing Buildings(PDF, 1MB). ADUs are uncommon within the Lower Downtown Historic District due to the district’s commercial nature. For more information about applicable design guidelines, visit the Landmark Preservation design guideline webpage.

E-Permits Application

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

  • Create an account or log in to an existing account
  • Click the "Development Services" tab
  • Click "Apply for a Permit"
  • Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.  

All applications for accessory dwelling units must include the following information:

  • A pre-application meeting with Landmark staff. Meetings can be scheduled by emailing landmark@denvergov.org
  • A completed Landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)
  • Current color photographs of the area of project scope and street fronting façade(s)
    • Photographs must be at least 300 dpi or at least 4” X 6”
    • Photographs must be labeled with the cardinal directions (ex. north, south, east, west). Photographs labeled front, side, and rear will not be accepted
    • Photos must be included as a page or pages within the drawing set or attached as jpeg or pdf. (Thumbnail photos, photos embedded within emails, and photos linked to a file sharing system will not be accepted) Roof Plans that include existing, if applicable, and proposed roof. Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
  • Existing and proposed site plans that include:
    • Address with street name
    • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
    • Zone lot and Property lines (include both if different)
    • Zone lot depth (e.g., 65/35 or 80/20)
    • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
    • Location of hardscaping elements such as fences, site walls, patios, exterior stairways, driveways, etc.
    • North direction arrow
    • Zoning setback requirements
    • Original grade elevation at intersection of side interior zone lot lines and minimum setback to primary setback
    • Identify all proposed and existing site elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
  • Existing and proposed building elevation drawings that include:
    • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
    • Overall height of building from base planes
    • Height of additions/new structure, if applicable, from base plane
    • Window and door dimensions, if applicable
    • Porches, awnings, other façade and elevation details
    • Location of all existing and new vents louvers, electrical boxes, lighting, etc.
    • Bulk plane and height
    • Material legend and notes
    • Elevations labeled with the cardinal directions (front, side, and rear labels will not be accepted)
    • Identify all proposed and existing building elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
    • Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
  • A demolition plan, if applicable, that includes:
    • Site plan showing what structure or portion of structure will be demolished, if any
    • Property lines
    • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
  • Floor plans that include:
    • Labels of all existing and proposed rooms. Use simple room labels (e.g., living room, bedroom)
    • All existing and proposed floors, if applicable
    • Do not include furniture, reflected ceiling plans, interior finish plans, or other interior work (unless otherwise required for a building or zoning permit)
  • Enlarged/Detail elevation drawings that include:
    • Detail elevations of eaves, overhangs, porches, windows, balconies, canopies, and other unique building features
    • Elevation drawings of site walls, fencing, railing, outdoor kitchens and other proposed site features
    • Enlarged elevations for each distinct window type and location, showing the full window in the wall assembly including head, jambs, sills, and muntins
    • Section drawings that include:
    • Floor-to-floor heights
    • Floor-to-ceiling heights
    • Detail sections through typical walls, features, and materials transitions
    • Detail wall sections through canopies, columns, porches, etc.
    • Details wall sections at typical doors and windows showing their installation in all wall cladding materials
  • Sight-line drawings that show the visibility of the proposed ADU from the public right-of-way from the viewpoint of a person 5’6” in height
  • Isometric drawings that show the visibility of the proposed ADU form various vantage points. Street level drawings are preferable to bird’s eye-view drawings
  • Streetscape drawings that that Compare the size and dimension of the proposed building in elevation in relationship to the primary building and other contributing buildings on the block face. Show the surrounding buildings on the block including the subject property with the proposed ADU

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions

Visual Examples

Accessory Dwelling Unit example

Accessory Dwelling Unit example

Accessory Dwelling Unit example

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