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ADU / Backyard Cottage in Englewood
Licensed adu / backyard cottage services for Englewood and Arapahoe County. Build an income-producing unit in your backyard.
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Local Service
ADU / Backyard Cottage Services in Englewood, Colorado
Autotelic provides professional adu / backyard cottage services throughout Englewood and the surrounding Arapahoe County area. Accessory dwelling unit construction across the Denver metro — detached new builds, garage conversions, and basement conversions compliant with Colorado HB 24-1152. One veteran-owned design-build team runs the full Denver sequence under a single contract: zoning verification and concept design, municipal zoning and building permit reviews, then construction and inspections through certificate of occupancy. Whether you're in Englewood (south central Denver metro) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.
Permit Thresholds
Englewood permit thresholds
- Code reference
- In Englewood, Colorado, building permits for residential remodel work are generally required based on the specific type of work performed rather than a fixed valuation threshold. The City requires permits for most construction projects to ensure compliance with adopted building codes (including
- Code reference
- Repair of roofing or siding when the repaired area is less than 100 square feet.
- Code reference
- Decks under 200 square feet that are not attached to the house, do not serve an exit door, and are not more than 30 inches above grade (zoning approval still required).
- Code reference
- The City’s use tax rate is 3.80% applied to 50% of the project valuation (an estimate assuming 50% of valuation represents taxable construction materials).
- Code reference
- A reconciliation process is available post-project if actual materials differ from the 50% estimate.
- Code reference
- Relevant references include the City’s “To Permit or Not To Permit” guidance and the Sales, Use and Other Taxes page (with citations to EMC Title 4, Chapter 4 for sales/use tax rules).
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **The City of Englewood’s Building and Codes Division (part of the Community Development Department) issues residential building permits.
Zoning & ADU
Englewood zoning & ADU quick facts
- Englewood, CO (most common single-family residential districts are the R-1 serie
- R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C under the Unified Development Code/Title 16, adopted Sept.
- Code reference
- 2023 with subsequent ADU amendments).
- ADU permitted
- Yes, in all residential zoning districts (including all R-1 districts); R-1 districts limited to no more than one ADU per lot.
- Code reference
- (Specific standards updated via Ordinance No. 30-2026 and related Title 16 amendments.)Ordinance No. 30-2026
- ADU max size
- Up to 800 sq ft if detached; if attached or internal to the principal building, equal to the building’s footprint.
- ADU height
- 16 ft maximum, or 25 ft if placed above an operable garage.
- ADU placement/setbacks
- Restricted to the side or rear of the principal structure (or integrated); specific rear-yard or other setbacks governed by district standards or general accessory use rules in 16-4-4/16-4-5 (exact numeric values per district not extracted from primary code text in available sources).
- Max lot coverage % and max building height (principal structures/garages/additio
- Not located in primary sources reviewed (e.g., Chapter 4 Zone Districts & Uses / 16-4-5 District Performance Standards or the adopted UDC PDF); standards are district-specific and appear in tables for R-1-A/B/C (minimum lot sizes and graduated intensity noted, but numeric coverage/height values o
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **The City of Englewood’s Building and Codes Division (part of the Community Development Department) issues residential building permits.
Energy Code
Englewood energy code quick facts
- Code reference
- 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted by the City of Englewood with no specific local amendments detailed on the official building division page (effective for all permits submitted after May 31, 2026).
- Code reference
- This applies to the Denver-metro area (Climate Zone 5B).
- Code reference
- Key prescriptive requirements from the 2024 IECC (relevant to remodels/additions via the residential or existing-building provisions, e.g., R402 and related sections) include the following (standard base-code values, as no local amendments are specified):
- Code reference
- Vertical fenestration U-factor ≤ 0.28 (Table R402.1.2, Climate Zone 5 and Marine 4).
- Code reference
- Skylight U-factor ≤ 0.50 (Table R402.1.2, Climate Zone 5 and Marine 4).
- Code reference
- Air leakage ≤ 3.0 ACH50 at 50 Pa for detached one-family dwellings in Climate Zones 3–5 (or ≤ 0.27 cfm/ft² of enclosure area for smaller homes/attached units); testing required (R402.4.1.2).
- Code reference
- Additional common prescriptive envelope items (from 2024 IECC Tables R402.1.2/R402.1.3 for CZ 5) typically cover ceiling/attic, wall, and other assemblies, but exact R-values/U-factors should be verified directly from the adopted code edition as they involve trade-offs and footnotes.
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **The City of Englewood’s Building and Codes Division (part of the Community Development Department) issues residential building permits.
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What an ADU or backyard cottage involves
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), sometimes called a backyard cottage, is a secondary living unit on a lot that already has a primary home. Common forms include detached backyard cottages, garage conversions, and attached additions with a separate entrance and living space. In the Denver metro, feasibility usually turns on zoning and lot standards, utility capacity, access and parking rules, setbacks, height limits, and how the unit will be used (long-term housing, multigenerational living, or flexible guest space). Early planning should confirm what your city or county allows on your specific parcel before design is locked in.
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Design and site factors that drive the project
Strong ADU plans start with the lot, not just the floor plan. Key inputs include buildable area after setbacks, existing structures and easements, grading and drainage, tree and landscape impacts, alley or side-yard access, and where water, sewer, gas, and electric can connect. Interior planning typically covers a compact kitchen, full or three-quarter bath, sleeping space, storage, daylight, and code-required egress. Exterior design should fit the primary home and neighborhood context while meeting height, lot coverage, and exterior material standards set by the local jurisdiction. Detached units also need clear decisions on foundation type, insulation and energy detailing for Colorado’s climate, and durable exterior assemblies that handle freeze-thaw cycles and sun exposure.
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Permits, inspections, and trade coordination
ADU projects generally require building permits and may also need zoning review, utility permits, and separate trade permits. Requirements vary by city and county across the Denver metro, so the submittal package should match the rules for the property address. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall project and works with licensed specialty trades for work such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. That coordination covers sequencing, inspection readiness, and keeping architectural, structural, and MEP details aligned as the unit moves from plans to construction.
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Typical build path
Most ADU projects follow a clear sequence: feasibility and code check, measured site review, schematic design, construction documents, permit submittal, procurement, construction, inspections, and closeout. Detached cottages often involve site work, foundation, framing, roofing, windows, insulation, drywall, finishes, and final utility tie-ins. Garage conversions and attached ADUs can reduce some site work but may add structural, fire-separation, moisture, and existing-condition challenges. Conversion projects need careful assessment of foundation, framing, insulation, head height, and whether the existing shell can support a comfortable, code-compliant dwelling.
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What influences cost without a one-size price
ADU cost is project-specific. Major drivers include unit size, detached versus attached or conversion scope, foundation and site work, utility run lengths and capacity upgrades, kitchen and bath layout, finish level, structural complexity, energy detailing, access constraints, and local permit requirements. Soft costs also matter: design and engineering, survey or site documentation when needed, permit fees, and longer lead times for selected materials. A clear scope and early utility/site review usually reduce redesign and change orders later.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between an ADU and a backyard cottage?
They often describe the same idea: a secondary dwelling on a lot with a primary home. “Backyard cottage” usually means a detached unit behind the main house. “ADU” is the broader planning term and can include detached units, attached units, or conversions, depending on local definitions.
Who handles the trade permits and licensing on an ADU project?
A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and the permit path. Licensed specialty trades perform regulated trade work such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, and those trades pull the permits required for their scopes where applicable.
Can every Denver-metro lot add an ADU?
No. Eligibility depends on local zoning and lot standards, including use rules, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, and utility constraints. The right first step is confirming what the jurisdiction allows for the specific address and lot configuration.
Is a garage conversion simpler than a new detached cottage?
Sometimes, but not always. Conversions may reuse an existing shell and reduce some site work, yet they can require structural upgrades, insulation and moisture improvements, fire separation, ceiling-height solutions, and new utility routing. A detached cottage adds foundation and full exterior scope but can offer a cleaner layout when yard space and setbacks allow.
How long does an ADU project usually take?
Timeline depends on design complexity, utility work, permit review duration, material lead times, weather, and inspection scheduling. Projects with clear feasibility, complete drawings, and fewer existing-condition surprises generally move more predictably than conversions discovered midstream to need major upgrades.
What decisions should homeowners make early?
Confirm intended use, target size, detached versus attached or conversion, access and privacy needs, parking implications, budget range as a planning input, and whether the unit must function independently year-round. Those choices shape site layout, utility design, and the permit strategy.
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How to start planning
Begin with parcel realities: zoning path, buildable envelope, access, and utility capacity. Then define the unit type and must-have program so design and budgeting stay aligned. From there, construction documents and permit coordination can proceed with fewer revisions. If you are comparing options, bring basic lot information, any prior survey or improvement location certificate if available, rough size goals, and notes on how the unit will be used. That preparation helps a general contractor and design team give a clearer read on scope and sequence.
Service Area
Serving Englewood and Arapahoe County
We serve Englewood, CO and all surrounding Denver metro communities. Our team is based in Denver and operates throughout the Front Range, from Castle Rock to Longmont and everywhere in between. Contact us for a free estimate on your Englewood project.
FAQ
Common questions
Is an ADU allowed on my lot?
It depends on your city’s zoning — lot size, setbacks, and parking rules vary across the metro. We run the zoning check as the first step and tell you what your lot supports before you spend money on design.
Do you handle ADU permits and inspections?
Yes — ADU permitting is municipal, and we manage zoning review, permit application, and every inspection through certificate of occupancy.
Detached, attached, or garage conversion — which is right?
Each has different zoning, cost, and site implications. We design all three and recommend based on your lot, budget, and how you plan to use the unit.
What does an ADU cost?
Getting a real answer costs less than most people expect: an ADU feasibility consultation is $350, and the full ADU feasibility package — zoning check, site analysis, and concept direction — is $950, both listed at fixed prices on our booking page. Construction cost depends on the path: garage and basement conversions reuse existing structure, while a detached backyard cottage is new construction from the foundation up. After feasibility we quote the build itself as a fixed-price proposal, so you know the number before work starts.
How long does an ADU project take?
Three phases run in sequence: design (site measure, concept, construction documents), permitting (zoning and building review, which move on the municipality’s calendar), then construction. Conversions generally move faster than detached new builds because the shell and foundation already exist. We lay out the phase-by-phase schedule in your proposal, and you track progress on our operations platform once work starts.
How small a lot can support an ADU?
Smaller than most people assume — many Front Range single-unit lots that owners write off can carry a detached unit, and each city sets its own minimum lot size, setbacks, and building coverage. Whether your district’s standards leave room for a backyard cottage — or point you toward a garage or basement conversion instead — is exactly what the feasibility check answers for your address.
What is the ADU permit process?
Two municipal reviews run in order: a zoning review confirming the unit fits your district’s standards, then a building permit review of the construction documents, with inspections during the build and a certificate of occupancy at the end. Colorado HB 24-1152 now requires most Front Range municipalities to allow ADUs on single-unit lots, and we confirm how your city implements it as the first step of feasibility.
How It Runs
01
Survey
02
Design
03
Build
04
Verify
DESIGN SERVICES
Discovery & Site Analysis
Needs + preference programming, site survey, as-built documentation, feasibility.
We walk, measure, and photograph your property — existing conditions, utilities, structure, and constraints. You get the as-built documentation and feasibility read that every later decision rests on.
Learn more →Concept Design & Space Planning
Schematic design, floor plan studies, layout options.
Your scope becomes schematic floor plans you can compare side by side — circulation, daylight, adjacencies, and what each option does to the budget. Layout decisions happen on paper, where changes are cheap.
Learn more →Architectural Design & 3D Renderings
Design development, materials + finishes, photorealistic visualization.
The chosen concept resolves into materials, finishes, fixtures, and lighting — with the automation layer drawn in. Photorealistic renderings let you walk the space and adjust before anything is priced.
Learn more →Construction Documents & Permitting
Full CD sets, structural + MEP engineering coordination, permit-ready drawings.
Approved designs become coordinated architectural, structural, and MEP sheets — the set your jurisdiction permits from and trades build from. We submit, track, and answer review comments.
Learn more →CONSTRUCTION
New Construction & Custom Homes
Ground-up homes and light commercial, dirt to keys.
Ground-up residential and light commercial builds — foundations through finishes, including modular and steel construction. One accountable builder from dirt to keys.
Learn more →Remodels & Additions
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, whole-home.
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, and whole-home renovations that respect the house you already have. We handle structure, permits, and the dust.
Learn more →Commercial Tenant Finish & Build-Outs
Shells to working spaces — retail, office, restaurant, school.
Raw shells become working spaces — showrooms, offices, restaurants, schools. Dealer-spec finishes, code compliance, and opening dates held.
Learn more →ADUs & Modular Construction
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, factory-built homes.
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, and factory-built homes — zoning, design, permits, and set. Denver’s ADU rules are a specialty, not a surprise.
Learn more →Outdoor Living & Patio Structures
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios built for Colorado weather.
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios engineered for Colorado sun, snow, and hail — structure, shade, and drainage done right the first time.
Learn more →TECHNOLOGY
Smart Home Automation
Lighting, shades, climate, audio, security — one interface.
Whole-home control of lighting, shades, climate, audio, and security from a single interface — Crestron, Lutron, Savant, and Control4 designed in, not bolted on.
Learn more →A/V Systems
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, commercial sound.
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, and commercial sound — designed, installed, and tuned by the same team for over 20 years.
Learn more →Control Systems
Custom programming — scenes and schedules that fit the space.
Every subsystem brought into one elegant interface — custom programming for homes and venues, with scenes and schedules that match how the space is actually used.
Learn more →Networking & Edge Compute
Enterprise Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, on-prem compute.
Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, and on-premise compute — the backbone that makes everything else reliable, including our own Barbot platform.
Learn more →Solar & Energy Storage
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, EV charging — certified install.
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, and EV charging designed and installed by a Tesla Energy Certified team — roof, electrical, and app in one scope.
Learn more →TRUSTED TO BUILD FOR
- Punch Bowl SocialFirst four locations
- Spectrum RetirementSenior living communities
- Denver HighlandsFirst modular custom home
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