Greeley ADU Permits & Requirements
By-right under HB24-1152 · 6–10 week review · Water tap is the big variable
Quick Answer
Greeley ADUs: $180K–$300K
Permits: $1.5K–$6K · Updated April 2026
Permit Fees Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Building Permit | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Plan Review | 55% of permit |
| Water Tap / Plant Investment Fee | $20K–$40K+ |
| Raw-Water Dedication | ~$44K/acre-ft |
Fees are estimates for planning only. Greeley building fees are valuation-based and water fees reset periodically — verify current amounts with Greeley Building Inspection (970-350-9830) and Water & Sewer (970-350-9805).
Permit Process Timeline
Zoning & ADU Standards Check
1–2 weeksConfirm the lot allows an ADU under Greeley's current post-HB24-1152 standards
Soils Report & Plan Preparation
2–4 weeksGeotechnical report plus drilled-pier foundation and architectural plans to Greeley code
Building Permit Review
4–6 weeksCity of Greeley review for building code compliance and tap sign-off
Construction
4–7 monthsBuild phase with required inspections, starting with the drilled-pier foundation
Final Inspection & CO
1–2 weeksFinal inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
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Zoning & Requirements
Max ADU Size
750–1,000 sf*
Height Limit
24–30 ft*
Setbacks
5 ft side/rear*
Parking
Limited by state law*
*Greeley paused its local ADU ordinance while implementing HB24-1152. Treat these as provisional and verify the current adopted standard with Greeley Planning & Development before you design.
Key Regulations
- HB24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025) makes at least one ADU by-right on single-family lots — Greeley is a subject jurisdiction
- Greeley drafted then paused its local ADU ordinance — size, height, and parking standards are still being finalized
- State law sets a 5 ft minimum side/rear setback and bars prohibitive local standards
- Water tap / Plant Investment Fee + raw-water dedication (Greeley Water & Sewer) is the single biggest cost variable
- Expansive bentonite clay: expect a geotechnical soils report and a drilled-pier foundation
- Home-rule cities have challenged HB24-1152 in court; the law is in effect but contested — confirm locally
Climate & Construction Notes
Greeley sits on expansive bentonite clay, so plan for a drilled-pier foundation, positive surface drainage, and void form under grade beams rather than a plain slab. High-plains wind exposure calls for wind-rated framing and connections, and cold winters reward a tight, well-insulated envelope. Above all, resolve the water tap and raw-water dedication with the city early — it is the item most likely to reshape your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Greeley?
Building-permit review typically runs 6–10 weeks from a complete application. Total project time including design and construction is usually 7–11 months. Because the local ADU ordinance is still being finalized, add buffer for zoning questions.
What types of ADUs are allowed in Greeley?
Detached units, attached additions, above-garage units, and garage conversions are all common. HB24-1152 makes at least one ADU allowed by-right on single-family lots — verify Greeley's current size and height caps before you design.
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU in Greeley?
HB24-1152 generally bars jurisdictions from imposing owner-occupancy as a prohibitive standard, so a mandate is unlikely — but confirm Greeley's current adopted rule with Planning & Development.
More Greeley ADU Resources
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