The City Code allows for many different types of residential accessory uses, including detached garages, workshops, and storage structures. Whether or not you can build another structure on your lot depends on several things, including zone, lot coverage allowance, setbacks, and any specific regulations that apply to the type of accessory structure you plan to build. For general guidelines, read the sections below. This page is not meant to cover absolutely every facet of the accessory structure code. Before undertaking your building project, contact the Land Use Review Division to make absolutely sure you have not overlooked a regulation.

General Information

This page covers residential additions, carports and garages, and decks that are permitted in residential zone districts, but is not all-encompassing.  In some cases, a Pre-Application Meeting may be necessary for approvals.  For questions, please call 719-385-5905 or email LURPlanningInfo@coloradosprings.gov. 

Before making a submittal, become familiar with dimensional standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height) in the respective zone district.  Consideration must be given to the subject property’s –

  • Zone district;
  • Setbacks (based on subject property’s zone district); and
  • Lot coverage (based on subject property’s zone district).

This information can be found in the table found in City Code Subsection 7.3.104.

To find your zone, review SpringsView or contact a Planner by calling 719-385-5905 or emailing LURPlanningInfo@coloradosprings.gov. 

Residential Additions and Decks

Property owners may modify their homes including expanding the building footprint and adding a deck; however, compliance with the subject property’s dimensional standards associated with the established zoning must be met.  This information can be found in the table found in City Code Subsection 7.3.104. 

To find your zone, review SpringsView or contact a Planner by calling 719-385-5905 or emailing LURPlanningInfo@coloradosprings.gov. 

Carports and Garages

Requirements for these structures can be found in City Code Subsection 7.3.105.C Carports and Garages. 

In general, garages may be permitted in any zone district as an accessory use in connection with a principal use –

  • Maximum of 1,200 square feet of garage space per single-family residence unless a storage space of 450 square feet is incorporated.
  • Garages in connection with single-family residences are limited to have garage doors for no more than 4 cars.
  • For multi-family dwellings, a maximum of 600 square feet per unit with garage doors for no more than 2 cars is allowed.
  • If the detached garage is located adjacent to an alley and the garage doors face the alley, it must maintain a 10-foot setback from that property line no matter what the zone district in which it is located.

Front Yard Carports require a separate application and a Pre-Application Meeting with a Planner.  Additional information can be found in the Development Assistance Bulletin (DAB) below –

Accessory Structures (General)

Pursuant to City Code Subsection 7.3.105.A, the following apply to accessory structures –

  • Shall not be larger than the principal structure located on the lot;
  • Structures equal to or less than 120 square feet cannot exceed 8 feet in height (if within setbacks);
  • Structures greater than 120 square feet must obtain building permit through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department and meet the following setbacks –
Accessory Structures

Zone District

Setback

A, R-E, R1-9000

10 feet

R1-6000, R-2, R-4, R-5, SU, OR, OC, C-5, C-6, M-1

5 feet

PUD, TND

5 feet, unless stated otherwise on approved Plan

M-2

0 feet

 

Note – Accessory structures located in a Hillside, Streamside, or Historic Preservation Overlay District are subject to additional review requirements to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Overlay.  General information can be found on the Overlay Districts page.

Additional information can be found on the Residential Accessory Use page.

Additional Information

Note – While accessory structures may be permitted by the City of Colorado Springs, covenants and restrictions for your particular development and/or subdivision may prohibitions.  Prior to submitting an application, be sure to check if your property has any prohibitions for an accessory structure.  Covenants and restrictions are not enforced by the City of Colorado Springs as the City does not have jurisdiction over them.