Design Review for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

If so, visit the Demolition and Certificate of Demolition Eligibility page for information on total demolition applications.

All accessory dwelling units (ADUs) require a pre-application review meeting. 

To request a pre-application review meeting, email the pre-application review form(PDF, 139KB) and all required information to landmark@denvergov.org.

ADUs in historic districts where a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) has completed design review training must present their proposed ADU to the RNO before a complete application may be submitted for review by the Landmark Preservation Commission. During the pre-application review meeting, Landmark staff will let you know if there is a qualifying RNO in place and will refer you to the RNO. 

For more information, download the Registered Neighborhood Organization Policy(PDF, 573KB).

Download the landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)

Photos of existing conditions showing proposed building site and surroundings are required and must be:

• In color
• Labeled with direction and orientation to the street
• No smaller than 4"x6" in size (or between 1024 x 768 pixels and 1280 x 960 pixels)
• Arranged on one or more sheets within the drawing set (PDF format), with each image clearly labeled

For examples of acceptable photos and tips for taking good photos, download Landmark Standards for Photographs(PDF, 590KB) and the Photo Page Example(PDF, 999KB).

All projects must submit a dimensioned and scaled site plan (1” = 40’ or larger, if possible). The site plan must include:

• Existing and proposed locations of mechanical equipment
• Spot elevations at existing grade are required to establish the base elevation, evaluate height within the historic context, and ensure the historic district’s height limits are met
• Street address
• North arrow
• Scale
• Location of streets, sidewalks, alleys (including any right-of-way or easement), and all existing structures
• Location of proposed ADU, as well as all existing structures on the site
• Location of existing and proposed fences, retaining walls, exterior stairways and ramps, driveways, etc.
• Property lines and required zoning setbacks
• Location of front 65% of the lot and rear 35% of the lot (or 80% / 20%, depending on the zone district)
• Original grade elevation at intersection of side property lines and minimum setback

Submit elevation drawings and typical section drawings of each proposed façade that include the following:

• Overall dimensions and scale (at least 1” = 20’)
• Proposed overall height and overall height of existing structures on the site
• Proposed floor-to-ceiling heights and floor-to-ceiling heights of existing structures on the site
• Proposed window and door dimensions
• Porches, awnings, shifts in massing (including protrusions or indentions), and other façade detail dimensions
• Note all façade materials, including wall cladding, windows, doors, decorative trim, roofing material, porch construction, etc.
• Maximum height and bulk plane, indicated in a dashed line per the zoning requirements, clearly showing any requests for variances or administrative adjustments
• Street address
• Façade direction
• Height of adjacent structures
• Location of sections and enlarged elevations
• Section drawings through proposed typical walls, features, and material transitions
• Enlarged detail drawings of eaves, overhangs, porches, and other unique features
• Enlarged elevations and sections for each distinct window type and location, showing the full window in the wall assembly, including head, jamb, sill, muntins, and other details/profile information, and indicating the amount the window is recessed in the wall plane
• Window and door schedule including window material, size, and operation
• Elevation and detail drawings of balconies, railings, awnings, fencing, and other proposed building or site features
• Location of all new vents, louvers, electrical boxes, lighting, etc.

All projects must submit proposed floor plans and roof plan, which must:

• Be drawn to scale (1" = 40' or larger, if possible) 
• Include all levels/floors 
• Use simple room labels (bedroom, bathroom, etc.) 
• Do not include: furniture, reflected ceiling plans, interior finish plans, and interior electrical or mechanical work
  • Note: Exterior electrical and mechanical work must be shown on plans

Provide all of the following:

• Photos of samples of all exterior materials with labels for each building component indicating material and finish
  • Sample boards should be shared with the Landmark Preservation Commission during your presentation
• Manufacturer cut sheets for each product
• Reference materials and numbers from samples onto elevation sheets and site plans as needed to clarify which materials correlate to which building component
• For glass, provide transparency ratings and visible light reflectance 

Submit scaled landscape plans and elevations, if applicable, that include the following:

• Curbs
• Sidewalks and walkways
• Utility locations
• Elevations
• Materials
• Information on lighting
• Information on hardscape, accessory structures (pergolas, sheds, etc.), and any structural elements introduced into the landscape