Accessory Dwelling Units

The image illustrates various types of accessory dwelling units (ADUs): detached, attached, interior (upper/lower level), above garage, and garage conversion.

An ADU is an apartment integrated within a single-family dwelling unit or a detached unit located behind the single-family structure, and can be configured in several ways, as shown in the image to the right.

Accessory dwellings typically have separate bathrooms, kitchen facilities, living areas, and entrances from the single-family home, and may or may not have separate utilities.

Need to Know: ADUs in Gypsum 
  • ADUs may not exceed 50 percent of the floor area of the single-family dwelling unit, with a maximum of 800 square feet.
  • There may be only one ADU on a lot, in addition to the single-family dwelling unit.
  • The property owner must live on-site. 
  • The ADU cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the single-family dwelling unit. 
  • When a property with an existing registered ADU is sold, the new owner is responsible for completing the transfer of the ADU records. This can be handled through a realtor during your new property purchase.   
  • ADUs are not allowed in multi-family (duplex, townhome, etc.) or mobile home parks. 
  • Only two cars per ADU are allowed and must be on-site in a garage or driveway (see the exception for on-street parking).  
  • A monthly water and sewer service fee will be added for ADU services.  If the Town does not provide water and/or sewer services to the property, the applicant shall provide proof that the ADU will be served by a septic system or a well.  
  • ADUs must have separate trash services. 
  • Mobile homes, travel trailers, and recreational vehicles are not permitted as ADUs. 
  • ADUs not properly permitted will be investigated and enforced in accordance with the Gypsum Municipal Code. **If an ADU is found to be leased without a permit, both owner and tenant may be fined. 
New and Unregistered ADUs 

The ADU Process 

Building or registering an ADU can look a little different for everyone — there are lots of variables that shape the steps you’ll need to take. Give our team a call, and we’ll walk you through your project specifics and make sure you have everything you need to get started.

In general, here’s what you’ll want to have handy before diving into an ADU project:

  • Summary Letter (New and Existing Unapproved)  
  • Site Plan (New and Existing Unapproved) 
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit Deed Restriction Transfer Form (Transfer Only) 
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit Deed Restriction Form (New & Existing Unapproved) 
  • Building Permit (New and Existing Unapproved)
    • Building permits and ADU permits can be processed simultaneously. A document with the permit number, or proof that it has been submitted, will meet this requirement. 
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit Water, Sewer, & Trash Form 

FORMS

ADU Water Sewer Trash Form .pdfADUDeed Restriction.pdfADU Deed Restriction TRANSFER Form .pdf

Fees & Deposit 

All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office or by mail to PO BOX 130, Gypsum, CO 81637.  

  • New ADU Construction Fee: $250 
  • Existing Non-Approved ADU Fee: $500 
  • Existing & Previously Approved ADU Transfer Fee: $50 re-inspection fee 
  • ADU Deed Restriction Recording Fee: $43
  • Trash Service Fees ($110 for container & monthly service fee)

The application cannot be deemed complete until payment has been received, and review will not begin until then. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map.  Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)