What's the total ADU permit fee in Denver?

Total Denver ADU permit fees in 2026 run roughly $6,300–$11,500 depending on size, type, and any utility hookups required.

How long does Denver ADU permit review take?

Standard Denver ADU plan review takes 6–16 weeks. Pre-approved plans and complete submittals can shorten that significantly.

What fees are NOT included in the base Denver permit cost?

Utility connection fees (water, sewer, electric), school impact fees, drainage and fire-line upgrades, and any private-engineering studies typically add 30–60% to the base permit number.

Can I get my Denver ADU permit fees reduced or waived?

Some jurisdictions offer fee reductions for deed-restricted affordable ADUs, JADUs under 500 sq ft, or projects using pre-approved plans. Check Denver's current ADU ordinance for available waivers.

ADUCosts

Denver, CO

Denver ADU Permit Fee Calculator (2026)

Name: aduglossary.com — Denver CO ADU Resources
Price range: $

Instant fee breakdown for Denver, Colorado. Total range: $6,300–$11,500.

Denver, Colorado ADU Permit Fees

Total estimated range: $6,300–$11,500

Plan Check

$800–$2,000

Building Permit

$1,500–$3,500

Impact Fees

$2,000–$6,000

School Fees

N/A

Utility Hookups

$2,000–$5,000

Source: City permitting schedules and FeeBuilder surveys, updated April 2026.

Denver permit process at a glance

Permitting office: Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD)

Typical plan review: 10-18 weeks

Denver only opened ADUs to all single-family zones in 2023 (Expanding Housing Affordability text amendment), and demand has pushed plan review to 10-18 weeks. The hidden cost in Denver is the 36-inch frost depth — every foundation footing has to go below frost line, which means an extra $2,500-$5,000 in concrete and labor versus the warm-climate norm. Detached ADUs also commonly require a separate water tap from Denver Water unless the existing meter is sized up.

Sample real-world fee example

Scenario: 700 sq ft detached ADU on a typical Denver lot

Plan check (mid)	$1,000
Building permit (mid)	$1,800
Utility connection (low end)	$2,000
Misc fees (records, inspections)	$1,500
TOTAL (rough mid example)	~$5,800

Common Denver ADU permit mistakes

Underestimating 36" frost-footing requirements — adds $2,500-$5,000 over warm-climate baselines.
Missing the Denver Water tap-size review, which is a parallel track from CPD building permit.
Not confirming Expanding Housing Affordability eligibility for the lot — opens additional unit options.
Skipping site-drainage review on lots with rear-yard slopes near the Highline Canal.

How Denver compares nearby

City	Total fee range	Link
Denver	$6,300–$11,500	(this page)
Portland	$4,300–$11,500	View →
Seattle	$5,500–$14,000	View →
Austin	$6,600–$14,500	View →

Full Denver cost guide ROI calculator Compare all 18 cities

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